OpenClaw's tools.exec.safeBins trusted PATH directories allowed binary shadowing in allowlist mode
Summary
In openclaw allowlist mode, tools.exec.safeBins trusted PATH-derived directories for safe-bin resolution. A same-name binary placed in a trusted PATH directory could satisfy safe-bin checks and execute.
Impact
This is an allowlist bypass in exec policy that can lead to command execution in the OpenClaw runtime context when allowlist mode relies on safe bins and an attacker can influence trusted binary locations.
Affected Packages / Versions
- Package:
openclaw(npm) - Vulnerable versions:
<= 2026.2.21-2 - Patched versions:
>= 2026.2.22(planned next release) - Latest published npm version at triage time (2026-02-22):
2026.2.21-2
Root Cause
- Safe-bin trust accepted PATH-derived directories instead of explicit trusted directories.
- Safe-bin execution used shell command tokens that could resolve to shadowed binaries.
Remediation
- Stop trusting PATH-derived directories for safe-bin trust.
- Add explicit
tools.exec.safeBinTrustedDirsfor opt-in extra trusted paths. - Pin safe-bin shell execution to resolved absolute executable paths.
Fix Commit(s)
64b273a71cf0b2f2419c974832cede1fc2158729
Release Process Note
patched_versions is pre-set to the planned next release (2026.2.22). After npm release, this advisory is ready for publish without additional field edits.
OpenClaw thanks @tdjackey for reporting.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | openclaw | < 2026.2.22 | 2026.2.22 |
References
- CVSS vector
CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-426- Platform
- npm
- Package
openclaw- Disclosed
- 03.03.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-qhrr-grqp-6x2g - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: openclaw
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 589
- First → latest
- 02.2026 10.2026
- Without a fix
- 9
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 20
- High 215
- Medium 300
- Low 54
Disclosures per year
- 2026: 589
-
OpenClaw's tools.exec.safeBins trusted PATH directories allowed binary shadowing in allowlist mode this entry
Know which vulnerabilities affect your application
With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.