OpenClaw's tools.exec.safeBins generic fallback allowed interpreter-style inline payload execution 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
- Security bypass, 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-693 and CWE-78.
Summary
### Summary When `tools.exec.safeBins` contained a binary without an explicit safe-bin profile, OpenClaw used a permissive generic fallback profile. In allowlist mode, that could let interpreter-style binaries (for example `python3`, `node`, `ruby`) execute inline payloads via flags like `-c`. This requires explicit operator configuration to add such binaries to `safeBins`, so impact is limited to non-default/misconfigured deployments. ### Affected Packages / Versions - Package: `openclaw` (npm) - Affected versions: `<= 2026.2.21-2` - Patched in code: `>= 2026.2.22` (planned next npm release) ### Fix - Remove generic safe-bin fallback during allowlist evaluation. - Require explicit safe-bin profiles for `safeBins` entries. - Add configurable `tools.exec.safeBinProfiles` (global + per-agent) for safe custom binaries. - Update docs to clearly separate `safeBins` from command allowlist semantics. ### Fix Commit(s) - `47c3f742b6c488be26dd7b9636dbbb8676089154` ### Release Process Note `patched_versions` is pre-set to the planned next release (`>= 2026.2.22`) so once that npm release is published, the advisory can be published directly 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 2026.2.22 | 2026.2.22 | Patch available | GHSA-8mf7-vv8w-hjr2 |
- openclaw (npm) Vendor— Affected before 2026.2.22 Fixed in 2026.2.22 Patch available GHSA-8mf7-vv8w-hjr2
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-8mf7-vv8w-hjr2 openclaw (npm) Fixed in 2026.2.22 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-03 Threatist record created from GHSA-8mf7-vv8w-hjr2
References
Sources
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences