# CVE-2026-53838: OpenClaw state mutation in node pairing reconnection

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-53838-openclaw-state-mutation-in-node-pairing-reconnection  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-06-12. Updated: 2026-06-12  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-53838 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Published 2026-06-12

OpenClaw, a node management and gateway tool, contains a flaw in how it handles reconnecting devices. An attacker can exploit this to trick the system into granting a device more authority or access permissions than originally intended. This could allow unauthorized actions or access to restricted data within the network.

Technologies: [openclaw (npm)](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/npm-openclaw), [Openclaw](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/openclaw). Vendors: [npm](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/npm), [Openclaw](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/openclaw).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-53838 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-53838 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-53838?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 12 June 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** openclaw (npm) SEMVER:introduced=0,fixed=2026.5.27; Openclaw < 2026.5.27.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-53838?** Yes. openclaw (npm): upgrade to 2026.5.27 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-53838 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-53838?** Check whether you run openclaw (npm) or Openclaw at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- openclaw (npm): upgrade to 2026.5.27 or later

  ```sh
  npm install openclaw@2026.5.27
  ```


## Technical details

A state mutation vulnerability exists in OpenClaw's node pairing reconnection logic, classified as a Time-of-Check Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) race condition (CWE-367). When a paired node reconnects, it can manipulate the session state to bypass approval restrictions or escalate its authorized scope. This allows a node to present or restore broader authority than originally granted by the operator. The vulnerability is reachable over the network and, while some sources suggest it requires low privileges, others indicate it can be exploited to gain high impact on integrity and confidentiality. The issue is resolved in version 2026.5.27.

## Affected products

- OpenClaw OpenClaw < 2026.5.27

## Identifiers

- CVE-2026-53838
- GHSA-83w9-h5wv-j9xm

## Timeline

- 2026-05-28: advisory: GitHub Security Advisory published
- 2026-05-27: patched: Version 2026.5.27 released
- 2026-06-12: disclosed: NVD publication date

## References

- [https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-83w9-h5wv-j9xm](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-83w9-h5wv-j9xm)
- [https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-node-pairing-state-mutation-via-reconnection](https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-node-pairing-state-mutation-via-reconnection)

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- [OpenClaw time-of-check time-of-use race condition in filesystem operations](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-100597-openclaw-npm-package-openclaw-before-2026-7-1-is-vulnerable-to-a)