OpenClaw (npm package openclaw) before 2026.8.1 incorrectly enforces sender tool policies during session-memory filename generation. In affected versions, filename generation created an embedded helper that retained tools which the originating senders policy had removed. When session-memory filename generation was enabled for an agent reachable by lower-trust senders, model-mediated instructions could cause the helper to invoke tools outside that senders effective policy; the demonstrated impact was the creation of persistent scheduled work. Exploitability depends on the model acting on the injected instruction and on which tools the helper exposes. The issue is fixed in 2026.8.1; as a workaround, disable session-memory filename generation for agents reachable by lower-trust senders.
Weakness
The product performs an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action, but it does not correctly perform the check.
Potential Mitigations
- Divide the product into anonymous, normal, privileged, and administrative areas. Reduce the attack surface by carefully mapping roles with data and functionality. Use role-based access control (RBAC) [REF-229] to enforce the roles at the appropriate boundaries.
- Note that this approach may not protect against horizontal authorization, i.e., it will not protect a user from attacking others with the same role.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid.
- For example, consider using authorization frameworks such as the JAAS Authorization Framework [REF-233] and the OWASP ESAPI Access Control feature [REF-45].
- For web applications, make sure that the access control mechanism is enforced correctly at the server side on every page. Users should not be able to access any unauthorized functionality or information by simply requesting direct access to that page.
- One way to do this is to ensure that all pages containing sensitive information are not cached, and that all such pages restrict access to requests that are accompanied by an active and authenticated session token associated with a user who has the required permissions to access that page.