CVE-2026-53848: OpenClaw exec allowlist bypass via transparent command wrappers

CVE-2026-53848 · Severity: medium · CVSS 4.3 · Published 2026-06-16

OpenClaw is a gateway tool used for managing command execution. A security flaw in its command allowlist feature allows certain commands to bypass intended security restrictions when they are wrapped in other commands. This could allow an authorized user to perform actions or trigger side effects that the system administrator intended to block, potentially leading to unauthorized system modifications.

Technologies: openclaw (npm), Openclaw. Vendors: npm, Openclaw.

Quick answers

Is CVE-2026-53848 exploited in the wild?
No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-53848 being exploited in the wild.
How severe is CVE-2026-53848?
Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 4.3, published 16 June 2026.
Which products and versions are affected?
openclaw (npm) SEMVER:introduced=0,fixed=2026.5.26; Openclaw < 2026.5.26, <= 2026.5.22.
Is there a fix for CVE-2026-53848?
Yes. openclaw (npm): upgrade to 2026.5.26 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.
How is CVE-2026-53848 attacked?
It is attacked over the network, in a software library.
Am I affected by CVE-2026-53848?
Check whether you run openclaw (npm) or Openclaw at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

How to fix

  • openclaw (npm): upgrade to 2026.5.26 or later
    npm install openclaw@2026.5.26

Technical details

A vulnerability exists in OpenClaw's exec allowlist mechanism (CWE-78, CWE-184) where the security evaluation is performed against an 'inner' command while the 'wrapper' invocation is still executed. This occurs when the affected feature is enabled and reachable by lower-trust input. An authenticated attacker with network access can exploit this to trigger wrapper-level side effects that fall outside the intent of the allowlisted command. The issue is fixed in version 2026.5.26. Mitigations include reviewing wrapper commands and requiring manual approval for shell-like wrapper usage.

Affected products

  • OpenClaw openclaw <= 2026.5.22

Identifiers

  • CVE-2026-53848
  • GHSA-cwpp-5962-q4f6

Timeline

  • 2026-05-28: disclosed
  • 2026-06-18: advisory: GitHub Advisory published
  • 2026-05-26: patched

References

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