# CVE-2026-53845: OpenClaw hook bypass in skill-command dispatch

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-53845-openclaw-hook-bypass-in-skill-command-dispatch  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-06-16. Updated: 2026-06-18  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-53845 · Severity: medium · CVSS 4.3 · Published 2026-06-16

OpenClaw, a tool for managing automated tasks and skill commands, contains a flaw where certain commands can bypass security and auditing checks. This means that specific actions could be performed without being logged or verified against established safety policies. While the risk is primarily internal to authenticated users, it could allow an operator to circumvent corporate oversight or auditing requirements.

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-2026-53845 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-53845 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-53845?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 4.3, published 16 June 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** openclaw (npm) SEMVER:introduced=0,fixed=2026.5.6; Openclaw < 2026.5.6, <= 2026.5.5.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-53845?** Yes. openclaw (npm): upgrade to 2026.5.6 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-53845 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-53845?** 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 2026.5.6 or later

  ```sh
  npm install openclaw@2026.5.6
  ```


## Technical details

A protection mechanism failure (CWE-693) exists in OpenClaw's skill-command dispatch logic. Specifically, certain dispatch paths fail to trigger the 'runBeforeToolCallHook', which is responsible for auditing and policy enforcement before a tool is executed. An authenticated attacker with network access can exploit this to run commands that bypass hook-based security controls. The vulnerability is addressed in version 2026.5.6; until then, users should avoid relying solely on hooks for enforcement and should narrow tool allowlists.

## Affected products

- OpenClaw openclaw <= 2026.5.5

## Identifiers

- CVE-2026-53845
- GHSA-68xw-r643-9p5w

## Timeline

- 2026-05-28: disclosed: Initial disclosure by researcher
- 2026-06-18: advisory: GitHub Advisory published
- 2026-05-28: patched: Version 2026.5.6 released

## References

- [https://api.github.com/users/zsxsoft](https://api.github.com/users/zsxsoft)
- [https://github.com/zsxsoft](https://github.com/zsxsoft)
- [https://api.github.com/users/zsxsoft/gists%7B/gist_id%7D](https://api.github.com/users/zsxsoft/gists%7B/gist_id%7D)
- [https://api.github.com/users/zsxsoft/repos](https://api.github.com/users/zsxsoft/repos)
- [https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/2398785?v=4](https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/2398785?v=4)
- [https://api.github.com/users/zsxsoft/events%7B/privacy%7D](https://api.github.com/users/zsxsoft/events%7B/privacy%7D)

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