OpenClaw: Zip extraction symlink traversal could write outside destination
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 path confinement bypass in OpenClaw ZIP extraction allowed writes outside the intended destination when a pre-existing symlink was present under the extraction root. ### Affected Packages / Versions - Package: `openclaw` (npm) - Latest published npm version at triage time: `2026.2.21-2` - Affected versions: `<= 2026.2.21-2` - Planned patched version for next release: `2026.2.22` ### Technical Details The vulnerable path was in `src/infra/archive.ts` ZIP extraction logic. Output-path checks were lexical, but writes could still traverse an existing symlink in destination path segments. The fix blocks this by: - rejecting symlink traversal in destination path segments, - validating resolved destination paths remain inside the extraction root, - using no-follow file opens for ZIP output writes where supported, - adding a regression test for pre-seeded destination symlink traversal. ### Impact - Type: Arbitrary file write outside extraction root via symlink traversal during ZIP extraction. - Preconditions: attacker-controlled archive extraction plus pre-existing symlink in destination path. ### Fix Commit(s) - 4b226b74f5fd3b106a83a6347fd404172e2fd246 ### Release Process Note Patched version is pre-set to the planned next release (`2026.2.22`). Once npm release `2026.2.22` is published, the advisory can be published without further 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-jxrq-8fm4-9p58 |
- openclaw (npm) Vendor— Affected before 2026.2.22 Fixed in 2026.2.22 Patch available GHSA-jxrq-8fm4-9p58
Remediation
- Fix · GHSA-jxrq-8fm4-9p58 openclaw (npm) Fixed in 2026.2.22 Advisory →
Timeline
- 2026-10-03 Threatist record created from GHSA-jxrq-8fm4-9p58
References
Sources
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences