Executive brief
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.
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
Timeline
- 2026-05-28: disclosed
- 2026-06-18: advisory: GitHub Advisory published
- 2026-05-26: patched
References
- https://api.github.com/users/nayakchinmohan
- https://github.com/nayakchinmohan
- https://api.github.com/users/nayakchinmohan/gists%7B/gist_id%7D
- https://api.github.com/users/nayakchinmohan/repos
- https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/6557536?v=4
- https://api.github.com/users/nayakchinmohan/events%7B/privacy%7D