Affected: OpenClaw

OpenClaw before 2026.5.6 contains an approval policy bypass vulnerability in the Skill Workshop apply flow that allows agent tool calls to set apply: true despite approvalPolicy: pending configuration. Attackers can exploit this by reaching the affected apply path to apply workshop changes before the expected approval step, potentially modifying configurations without proper authorization.

Affected: npm: openclaw

### Summary

Skill Workshop apply flow could override pending approval. In affected versions, an agent tool call reaching the affected Skill Workshop apply path could set `apply: true` despite `approvalPolicy: pending`.

This advisory is scoped to the named feature and configuration. It does not change OpenClaw's trusted-operator model: authenticated Gateway operators, installed plugins, and intentional local execution surfaces remain trusted unless a separate policy, approval, allowlist, sandbox, or auth boundary is crossed.

### Impact

When the affected feature is enabled and reachable, this could apply a workshop change before the expected approval step. Practical impact depends on the operator's configuration and whether lower-trust input can reach that path.

### Patched Versions

The first stable patched version is `2026.5.6`.

### Mitigations

review Skill Workshop changes manually and keep the tool restricted until patched. As general hardening, keep channel and tool allowlists narrow, avoid sharing one Gateway between mutually untrusted users, and disable the affected feature when it is not needed.