# CVE-2026-62223: OpenClaw authorization bypass in device-pair approval

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-62223-openclaw-authorization-bypass-in-device-pair-approval  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-07-17. Updated: 2026-07-17  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-62223 · Severity: high · CVSS 8.8 · Published 2026-07-17

OpenClaw, a tool used for managing device connections and gateway operations, contains a security flaw in its device-pairing approval system. An attacker with low-level access can bypass authorization checks to perform actions they should not be allowed to do, such as running unauthorized commands. This could lead to a full system takeover, data theft, or service disruption if the device-pairing feature is enabled.

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

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-62223 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-62223 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-62223?** High severity, with a CVSS score of 8.8, published 17 July 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Openclaw < 2026.5.18.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-62223?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2026-62223 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a software library.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-62223?** Check whether you run 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.

## Technical details

An authorization bypass vulnerability (CWE-863) exists in OpenClaw's device-pair approval feature due to improper privilege management and incorrect neutralization of input paths. Authenticated attackers with low privileges can exploit misconfigured input paths to execute or persist unauthorized actions, potentially leading to OS command injection (CWE-78) via the 'system.run' node. The attack is reachable over the network if the device-pairing feature is enabled. The vulnerability is addressed in version 2026.5.18; users are advised to upgrade or restrict the feature to trusted operators.

## Affected products

- OpenClaw OpenClaw < 2026.5.18

## Timeline

- 2026-06-30: advisory: GitHub Security Advisory published
- 2026-07-17: disclosed: NVD publication date

## References

- [https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-hx85-fgcw-9vrc](https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-hx85-fgcw-9vrc)
- [https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-authorization-bypass-via-device-pair](https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-authorization-bypass-via-device-pair)

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- [OpenClaw incorrect authorization in Gateway media root allowlist](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-102806-openclaw-before-2026-9-5-contains-an-incorrect-authorization)
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- [OpenClaw Signal approval reaction binding logic error](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-100598-openclaw-npm-package-openclaw-before-2026-7-1-incorrectly-binds)
- [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)