CVE-2026-41303 Overview
CVE-2026-41303 is an authorization bypass vulnerability in OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.28. The vulnerability exists in the Discord text approval commands functionality, allowing non-approvers to resolve pending exec approvals. Attackers can send Discord text commands to bypass the channels.discord.execApprovals.approvers allowlist and approve pending host execution requests without proper authorization.
Critical Impact
Unauthorized users can approve pending host execution requests, potentially allowing malicious commands to be executed on systems managed by OpenClaw.
Affected Products
- OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.28
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-04-21 - CVE CVE-2026-41303 published to NVD
- 2026-04-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-41303
Vulnerability Analysis
This authorization bypass vulnerability (CWE-863: Incorrect Authorization) stems from inadequate access control validation in OpenClaw's Discord integration module. The vulnerability allows attackers with low privileges to bypass the intended approval workflow and authorize execution requests that should require explicit approval from designated approvers.
The attack can be executed remotely over the network without requiring any user interaction. An authenticated attacker with basic privileges can exploit this flaw to escalate their capabilities and approve pending execution requests, effectively bypassing the security controls designed to prevent unauthorized command execution on managed hosts.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper authorization checking in the Discord text approval command handler. The channels.discord.execApprovals.approvers allowlist is not properly validated when processing approval commands, allowing users who are not in the designated approvers list to successfully resolve pending execution approvals.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploited through the network via Discord text commands. An attacker who has access to the Discord channel where OpenClaw is configured can send specially crafted approval commands. Because the authorization check for the approvers allowlist fails to properly restrict access, these commands are processed regardless of whether the sender is an authorized approver.
The attack requires only low-level privileges (basic Discord access to the channel) and involves no user interaction, making it straightforward to exploit. Successful exploitation results in high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the managed systems, as arbitrary execution requests can be approved.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-41303
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected approval events in OpenClaw audit logs from users not in the channels.discord.execApprovals.approvers allowlist
- Execution requests approved by Discord users who should not have approval privileges
- Unusual patterns of exec approval commands in Discord channel logs
Detection Strategies
- Monitor OpenClaw audit logs for approval actions performed by users outside the configured approvers list
- Implement alerting on execution approvals that do not match expected approver identities
- Review Discord bot command history for anomalous approval patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for the Discord text approval command handler
- Configure alerts for any approval events from non-allowlisted users
- Regularly audit the channels.discord.execApprovals.approvers configuration against actual approval activity
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-41303
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade OpenClaw to version 2026.3.28 or later immediately
- Review recent approval logs to identify any unauthorized approvals that may have occurred
- Temporarily disable Discord text approval commands if upgrading is not immediately possible
Patch Information
The vulnerability is addressed in OpenClaw version 2026.3.28. Organizations should upgrade to this version or later to remediate the authorization bypass. For detailed information about the security fix, refer to the GitHub Security Advisory and the VulnCheck Advisory.
Workarounds
- Disable the Discord text approval feature entirely until the patch can be applied
- Restrict Discord channel access to only trusted users as a temporary measure
- Implement additional manual verification steps for all execution approvals until the upgrade is complete
- Monitor approval activity closely and manually reject any suspicious approvals
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
