OpenClaw < 2026.2.26- Authentication Bypass via Encoded Dot-Segment Traversal in /api/channels

OpenClaw gateway plugin versions prior to 2026.2.26 contain a path traversal vulnerability that allows remote attackers to bypass route authentication checks by manipulating /api/channels paths with encoded dot-segment traversal sequences. Attackers can craft alternate paths using encoded traversal patterns to access protected plugin channel routes when handlers normalize the incoming path, circumventing security controls.