OpenClaw's tools.exec.safeBins trusted PATH directories allowed binary shadowing in allowlist mode
Key facts
- Attack vector
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- Privileges required
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- User interaction
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- Attack complexity
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- Impact type
- Code execution
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
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- Fix status
- Fixed
No CVSS vector from any source. Fix status from GitHub. Impact type from CWE-426.
Summary
### 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.safeBinTrustedDirs` for 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.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
Not available: CISA has not published SSVC decision points for this record.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | openclaw (npm) | before 2026.2.22 | 2026.2.22 | Patch available | GHSA-qhrr-grqp-6x2g |
- openclaw (npm) Vendor— Affected before 2026.2.22 Fixed in 2026.2.22 Patch available GHSA-qhrr-grqp-6x2g
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-qhrr-grqp-6x2g openclaw (npm) Fixed in 2026.2.22 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-03 Threatist record created from GHSA-qhrr-grqp-6x2g
References
Sources
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