CWE-269
DiscouragedImproper Privilege Management
Abstraction: Class · Status: Draft
The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
5516 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-94PW-C6M8-P9P9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-03-30 18:52 – Updated: 2026-04-10 17:20Fixed in OpenClaw 2026.3.24, the current shipping release.
Summary
The shared /allowlist command persists channel authorization config through writeConfigFile(...) but does not re-validate gateway client scopes for internal gateway callers. Because chat.send is intentionally reachable to operator.write callers and still creates a generic command-authorized internal context, an authenticated write-scoped gateway client can indirectly mutate channel allowFrom and groupAllowFrom policy that direct config.patch correctly reserves to operator.admin.
This is not just a generic code smell. The current code already shows the intended boundary by adding sink-side internal admin checks to shared /config and /plugins writes, but /allowlist was left behind.
Details
The gateway's documented scope split is clear:
chat.sendis a write-scoped action.- direct config mutation is an admin-scoped action.
The vulnerable path is:
- A gateway client authenticates with
operator.write. - The client calls
chat.send, which is intentionally allowed for that scope. chat.sendbuilds an internal message context withCommandAuthorized: trueand carriesGatewayClientScopesinto the reply pipeline.resolveCommandAuthorization(...)converts that internal message intoisAuthorizedSender=truein the common case where no strictercommands.allowFromoverride is configured./allowlist add|removeaccepts that generic command authorization and proceeds into its config-backed edit path.- The handler clones the parsed config, calls
plugin.allowlist.applyConfigEdit(...), validates the result, and persists it withwriteConfigFile(validated.config). - No sink-side check requires
operator.adminbefore the persistent write occurs.
That creates a direct control-plane mismatch:
config.patchrejects the same caller withmissing scope: operator.admin./allowlist add dm ...or/allowlist add group ...reached throughchat.sendcan still rewrite channel authorization state.
Impact
- A gateway client intentionally limited to
operator.writecan persist first-party channel authorization policy. - The caller can widen DM or group allowlists for channels using the shared
/allowlistplumbing. - This weakens the repo's documented control-plane privilege split between ordinary write actions and admin-only persistent authorization mutation.
Remediation
1) Add the Missing Sink-Side Internal Admin Check to /allowlist
Mirror the existing hardened pattern from /config and /plugins.
Before any config-backed /allowlist add|remove write, require:
operator.adminfor internal gateway channels
This should happen before plugin.allowlist.applyConfigEdit(...) and before writeConfigFile(...).
2) Keep Pairing-Store and Config-Write Policy Checks, but Do Not Treat Them as Scope Enforcement
configWrites policy and pairing-store behavior are useful secondary controls, but they do not replace the missing privilege check between operator.write and operator.admin.
{
"affected": [
{
"database_specific": {
"last_known_affected_version_range": "\u003c= 2026.3.23"
},
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "openclaw"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "2026.3.24"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-35621"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-269"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2026-03-30T18:52:38Z",
"nvd_published_at": null,
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "\u003e Fixed in OpenClaw 2026.3.24, the current shipping release.\n\n## Summary\n\nThe shared `/allowlist` command persists channel authorization config through `writeConfigFile(...)` but does not re-validate gateway client scopes for internal gateway callers. Because `chat.send` is intentionally reachable to `operator.write` callers and still creates a generic command-authorized internal context, an authenticated write-scoped gateway client can indirectly mutate channel `allowFrom` and `groupAllowFrom` policy that direct `config.patch` correctly reserves to `operator.admin`.\n\nThis is not just a generic code smell. The current code already shows the intended boundary by adding sink-side internal admin checks to shared `/config` and `/plugins` writes, but `/allowlist` was left behind.\n\n## Details\n\nThe gateway\u0027s documented scope split is clear:\n\n- `chat.send` is a write-scoped action.\n- direct config mutation is an admin-scoped action.\n\nThe vulnerable path is:\n\n1. A gateway client authenticates with `operator.write`.\n2. The client calls `chat.send`, which is intentionally allowed for that scope.\n3. `chat.send` builds an internal message context with `CommandAuthorized: true` and carries `GatewayClientScopes` into the reply pipeline.\n4. `resolveCommandAuthorization(...)` converts that internal message into `isAuthorizedSender=true` in the common case where no stricter `commands.allowFrom` override is configured.\n5. `/allowlist add|remove` accepts that generic command authorization and proceeds into its config-backed edit path.\n6. The handler clones the parsed config, calls `plugin.allowlist.applyConfigEdit(...)`, validates the result, and persists it with `writeConfigFile(validated.config)`.\n7. No sink-side check requires `operator.admin` before the persistent write occurs.\n\nThat creates a direct control-plane mismatch:\n\n- `config.patch` rejects the same caller with `missing scope: operator.admin`.\n- `/allowlist add dm ...` or `/allowlist add group ...` reached through `chat.send` can still rewrite channel authorization state.\n\n## Impact\n\n- A gateway client intentionally limited to `operator.write` can persist first-party channel authorization policy.\n- The caller can widen DM or group allowlists for channels using the shared `/allowlist` plumbing.\n- This weakens the repo\u0027s documented control-plane privilege split between ordinary write actions and admin-only persistent authorization mutation.\n\n## Remediation\n\n### 1) Add the Missing Sink-Side Internal Admin Check to `/allowlist`\n\nMirror the existing hardened pattern from `/config` and `/plugins`.\n\nBefore any config-backed `/allowlist add|remove` write, require:\n\n- `operator.admin` for internal gateway channels\n\nThis should happen before `plugin.allowlist.applyConfigEdit(...)` and before `writeConfigFile(...)`.\n\n### 2) Keep Pairing-Store and Config-Write Policy Checks, but Do Not Treat Them as Scope Enforcement\n\n`configWrites` policy and pairing-store behavior are useful secondary controls, but they do not replace the missing privilege check between `operator.write` and `operator.admin`.",
"id": "GHSA-94pw-c6m8-p9p9",
"modified": "2026-04-10T17:20:19Z",
"published": "2026-03-30T18:52:38Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-94pw-c6m8-p9p9"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [],
"summary": "OpenClaw: Gateway operator.write Can Reach Admin-Class Channel Allowlist Persistence via chat.send"
}
GHSA-94QM-CPMJ-PVCV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-06-16 00:00 – Updated: 2022-06-16 00:00Adobe Lightroom Classic 10.3 (and earlier) are affected by a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Offline Lightroom Classic installer. An authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges. User interaction is required before product installation to abuse this vulnerability.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-40776"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-269",
"CWE-379"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2022-06-15T19:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Adobe Lightroom Classic 10.3 (and earlier) are affected by a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Offline Lightroom Classic installer. An authenticated attacker could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges. User interaction is required before product installation to abuse this vulnerability.",
"id": "GHSA-94qm-cpmj-pvcv",
"modified": "2022-06-16T00:00:21Z",
"published": "2022-06-16T00:00:21Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-40776"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/lightroom/apsb21-97.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-94RM-RQ6H-H95X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-11-20 15:30 – Updated: 2024-11-20 15:30Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in upKeeper Solutions upKeeper Instant Privilege Access allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects upKeeper Instant Privilege Access: before 1.2.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-9479"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-266",
"CWE-269"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-11-20T14:15:18Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in upKeeper Solutions upKeeper Instant Privilege Access allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects upKeeper Instant Privilege Access: before 1.2.",
"id": "GHSA-94rm-rq6h-h95x",
"modified": "2024-11-20T15:30:52Z",
"published": "2024-11-20T15:30:52Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-9479"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.upkeeper.se/hc/en-us/articles/17007729905436-CVE-2024-9479-Improper-Privilege-Management-Subprocess"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-954V-JX2J-MHWF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:27 – Updated: 2024-01-01 00:30An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the StartTileData.dll handles file creation in protected locations, aka 'Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1052, CVE-2020-1376.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-1159"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-269"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-09-11T17:15:00Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in the way that the StartTileData.dll handles file creation in protected locations, aka \u0027Windows Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability\u0027. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-1052, CVE-2020-1376.",
"id": "GHSA-954v-jx2j-mhwf",
"modified": "2024-01-01T00:30:41Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:27:59Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1159"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1159"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-9553-998G-436X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-11-26 03:30 – Updated: 2025-11-26 03:30The RupsMon.exe service executable in UPSilon 2000 has insecure permissions, allowing the 'Everyone' group Full Control. A local attacker can replace the executable with a malicious binary to execute code with SYSTEM privileges or simply change the config path of the service to a command; starting and stopping the service to immediately achieve code execution and privilege escalation
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-66266"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-269"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-11-26T02:15:49Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "The RupsMon.exe service executable in UPSilon 2000 has insecure permissions, allowing the \u0027Everyone\u0027 group Full Control. A local attacker can replace the executable with a malicious binary to execute code with SYSTEM privileges or simply change the config path of the service to a command; starting and stopping the service to immediately achieve code execution and privilege escalation",
"id": "GHSA-9553-998g-436x",
"modified": "2025-11-26T03:30:22Z",
"published": "2025-11-26T03:30:22Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-66266"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.megatec.com.tw/software-download"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:H/SI:H/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-955R-CPQG-MWW2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:06 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:06An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Win32k component fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka 'Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-0624.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-0642"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-269",
"CWE-416"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-01-14T23:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists in Windows when the Win32k component fails to properly handle objects in memory, aka \u0027Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability\u0027. This CVE ID is unique from CVE-2020-0624.",
"id": "GHSA-955r-cpqg-mww2",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:06:19Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:06:19Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-0642"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-0642"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/158729/Microsoft-Windows-Win32k-Privilege-Escalation.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-9564-5VJ3-XH93
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:19 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:19An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows Mobile Device Management (MDM) Diagnostics improperly handles junctions, aka 'Windows Mobile Device Management Diagnostics Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability'.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-1204"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-269"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-06-09T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "LOW"
},
"details": "An elevation of privilege vulnerability exists when Windows Mobile Device Management (MDM) Diagnostics improperly handles junctions, aka \u0027Windows Mobile Device Management Diagnostics Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability\u0027.",
"id": "GHSA-9564-5vj3-xh93",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:19:49Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:19:49Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-1204"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2020-1204"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-9567-49V2-4JQ6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:46 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:46A malicious 3rd party with local access to the Windows machine where MongoDB Compass is installed can execute arbitrary software with the privileges of the user who is running MongoDB Compass. This issue affects: MongoDB Inc. MongoDB Compass 1.x version 1.3.0 on Windows and later versions; 1.x versions prior to 1.25.0 on Windows.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-20334"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-269"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-04-06T17:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A malicious 3rd party with local access to the Windows machine where MongoDB Compass is installed can execute arbitrary software with the privileges of the user who is running MongoDB Compass. This issue affects: MongoDB Inc. MongoDB Compass 1.x version 1.3.0 on Windows and later versions; 1.x versions prior to 1.25.0 on Windows.",
"id": "GHSA-9567-49v2-4jq6",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:46:36Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:46:36Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-20334"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://jira.mongodb.org/browse/COMPASS-4510"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-957F-58H6-82FP
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-07-30 00:34 – Updated: 2026-04-02 21:31The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.6, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Ventura 13.6.8. A local attacker may be able to elevate their privileges.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-40781"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-269"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-07-29T23:15:11Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "The issue was addressed with improved checks. This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14.6, macOS Monterey 12.7.6, macOS Ventura 13.6.8. A local attacker may be able to elevate their privileges.",
"id": "GHSA-957f-58h6-82fp",
"modified": "2026-04-02T21:31:48Z",
"published": "2024-07-30T00:34:26Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-40781"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/120910"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/120911"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/120912"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214118"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214119"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT214120"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214118"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214119"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://support.apple.com/kb/HT214120"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/18"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/19"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2024/Jul/20"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-95F7-JM6F-GV7P
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-03-11 18:32 – Updated: 2025-03-11 18:32Improper privilege management in Azure Agent Installer allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-21199"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-269"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-03-11T17:16:19Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Improper privilege management in Azure Agent Installer allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.",
"id": "GHSA-95f7-jm6f-gv7p",
"modified": "2025-03-11T18:32:16Z",
"published": "2025-03-11T18:32:16Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-21199"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2025-21199"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
Mitigation MIT-1
Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
Mitigation MIT-48
Strategy: Separation of Privilege
Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
Mitigation MIT-49
Strategy: Separation of Privilege
Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.
CAPEC-122: Privilege Abuse
An adversary is able to exploit features of the target that should be reserved for privileged users or administrators but are exposed to use by lower or non-privileged accounts. Access to sensitive information and functionality must be controlled to ensure that only authorized users are able to access these resources.
CAPEC-233: Privilege Escalation
An adversary exploits a weakness enabling them to elevate their privilege and perform an action that they are not supposed to be authorized to perform.
CAPEC-58: Restful Privilege Elevation
An adversary identifies a Rest HTTP (Get, Put, Delete) style permission method allowing them to perform various malicious actions upon server data due to lack of access control mechanisms implemented within the application service accepting HTTP messages.