Affected: OpenClaw

OpenClaw before 2026.5.7 contains a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Matrix allowFrom feature that allows authenticated accounts to match policy entries through mutable display name metadata. Attackers with the ability to change display names can receive agent access intended for another Matrix identity, potentially gaining unauthorized permissions depending on operator configuration.

Affected: npm: openclaw

### Summary

Matrix allowFrom could bind to mutable display names. In affected versions, a Matrix account able to change display name metadata could match a policy entry through mutable display metadata.

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 receive agent access intended for another Matrix identity. 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 `2026.5.7`.

### Mitigations

use stable Matrix user IDs in allowlists 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.