Description
OpenClaw before 2026.5.20 contains a privilege escalation vulnerability where hook-triggered agent runs incorrectly receive owner-scoped MCP loopback authority instead of hook-appropriate scope. Attackers with a valid hook token can exploit the /hooks/agent endpoint to cause spawned CLI runtimes to access or invoke owner-only MCP tools, potentially executing privileged actions like persistent cron state modifications.
Problem types
Incorrect Privilege Assignment
Product status
Any version before 2026.5.20
2026.5.20 (semver)
Credits
cantinagen
Ellahi (@Ellahinator)
References
github.com/...enclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-6fvr-66p3-3qj4 (GitHub Security Advisory (GHSA-6fvr-66p3-3qj4))
www.vulncheck.com/...a-hook-triggered-cli-mcp-tool-authority