OpenClaw has multiple E2E/test Dockerfiles that run all processes as root
Key facts
- Attack vector
- —
- Privileges required
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- User interaction
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- Attack complexity
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- Impact type
- Privilege escalation
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
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- Fix status
- Fixed
No CVSS vector from any source. Fix status from GitHub. Impact type from CWE-250.
Summary
Three Dockerfiles in scripts/docker/ and scripts/e2e/ lack a USER directive, meaning all processes run as uid 0 (root). If any process is compromised, the attacker has root inside the container, making container breakout significantly easier. **Partial fix (2026-02-08):** Commit 28e1a65e added USER sandbox to Dockerfile.sandbox and Dockerfile.sandbox-browser. The E2E/test Dockerfiles listed below remain unpatched. **Affected components:** - scripts/e2e/Dockerfile - scripts/e2e/Dockerfile.qr-import - scripts/docker/install-sh-e2e/Dockerfile - scripts/docker/install-sh-nonroot/Dockerfile (runs as app but with NOPASSWD sudo — see related advisory) **Technical Reproduction:** 1. Open each Dockerfile listed above and search for a USER directive — none found. 2. Run any of these containers: docker run --rm -it <image> id 3. Observe: returns uid=0(root). **Demonstrated Impact:** - Root inside the container enables kernel exploit attempts, volume mount abuse, and privileged syscall access. - Test images share the same base (node:22-bookworm) as production, creating risk of accidental deployment of root-running images. **Environment:** Base images node:22-bookworm and node:22-bookworm-slim default to root. Dockerfile.sandbox and Dockerfile.sandbox-browser were remediated in commit 28e1a65e; only the E2E/test images listed above remain affected. **Remediation:** Add a USER directive before CMD/ENTRYPOINT in each remaining Dockerfile: RUN useradd --create-home --shell /bin/bash appuser USER appuser
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 2026.2.21 | 2026.2.21 | Patch available | GHSA-w7j5-j98m-w679 |
- openclaw (npm) Vendor— Affected before 2026.2.21 Fixed in 2026.2.21 Patch available GHSA-w7j5-j98m-w679
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-w7j5-j98m-w679 openclaw (npm) Fixed in 2026.2.21 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-03 Threatist record created from GHSA-w7j5-j98m-w679
References
Sources
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences