OpenClaw: Sandbox media fallback tmp symlink alias bypass allows host file reads outside sandboxRoot
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
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- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
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- Fix status
- Fixed
No CVSS vector from any source. Fix status from GitHub.
Summary
### Summary A sandbox path validation bypass in `openclaw` allows host file reads outside `sandboxRoot` via the media path fallback tmp flow when the fallback tmp root is a symlink alias. ### Affected Packages / Versions - Package: `npm openclaw` - Affected versions: `<= 2026.2.24` - Latest published npm version at triage time (February 26, 2026): `2026.2.24` - Patched version : `2026.2.25` ### Details When `/tmp/openclaw` is unavailable or unsafe, `resolvePreferredOpenClawTmpDir()` in `src/infra/tmp-openclaw-dir.ts` fell back to `os.tmpdir()/openclaw-<uid>` without verifying that fallback path was a trusted non-symlink directory. `resolveSandboxedMediaSource()` (`src/agents/sandbox-paths.ts`) allows absolute tmp media paths under the OpenClaw tmp root using lexical containment and alias checks. If the fallback tmp root is a symlink alias (for example to `/`), inputs like `$TMPDIR/openclaw-<uid>/etc/passwd` can pass validation and resolve to host files outside `sandboxRoot`. ### Impact This can break sandbox media path confinement and permit unauthorized host file reads (confidentiality impact). ### Reproduction (high level) 1. Force resolver fallback (make `/tmp/openclaw` unavailable/invalid). 2. Make fallback root (`$TMPDIR/openclaw-<uid>`) a symlink alias to `/`. 3. Submit media path under fallback root (for example `$TMPDIR/openclaw-<uid>/etc/passwd`). 4. Observe accepted path and read outside `sandboxRoot`. ### Fix Commit(s) - `496a76c03ba85e15ea715e5a583e498ae04d36e3` ### Release Process Note Patched version is pre-set to release `2026.2.25`; once npm publish for `2026.2.25` is complete, this advisory can be published without further metadata 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 2026.2.25 | 2026.2.25 | Patch available | GHSA-xmv6-r34m-62p4 |
- openclaw (npm) Vendor— Affected before 2026.2.25 Fixed in 2026.2.25 Patch available GHSA-xmv6-r34m-62p4
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-xmv6-r34m-62p4 openclaw (npm) Fixed in 2026.2.25 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-03 Threatist record created from GHSA-xmv6-r34m-62p4
References
Sources
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