GHSA-2j8v-hwgc-x698: OpenClaw: Shell wrapper argv could change between approval and execution
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.5.18 contain a vulnerability where the shell wrapper argument vector (argv) can change between approval and execution. This discrepancy allows a command shape to be executed that was not originally checked against the allowlist, potentially bypassing intended command restrictions. The vulnerability affects the shell wrapper feature and depends on operator configuration and input trust boundaries. The issue does not alter OpenClaw's trusted-operator model but requires careful policy and approval management. A fix is available starting with version 2026.5.18.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability in OpenClaw involves a race or logic flaw where the argv of a shell wrapper command can be altered after approval but before execution. This means that the command actually run may differ from the one that was vetted, allowing execution of commands not checked against the allowlist. The impact depends on whether lower-trust inputs can reach this execution path and the operator's configuration. The vulnerability is scoped to the shell wrapper feature and does not affect the overall trusted-operator security model. The first stable patched version is 2026.5.18.
Potential Impact
An attacker or lower-trust input that can reach the affected shell wrapper feature could cause execution of commands that were not approved or checked against the allowlist. This could lead to unauthorized command execution depending on the operator's configuration and the presence of lower-trust inputs. The vulnerability does not affect the trusted-operator model itself but can bypass allowlist checks for shell wrapper commands.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available in OpenClaw version 2026.5.18. Until patched, operators should require explicit approval for shell wrappers and avoid durable allowlists for commands that heavily use wrappers. Additional mitigations include keeping channel and tool allowlists narrow, avoiding sharing one Gateway between mutually untrusted users, and disabling the affected shell wrapper feature when not needed.
GHSA-2j8v-hwgc-x698: OpenClaw: Shell wrapper argv could change between approval and execution
Description
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.5.18 contain a vulnerability where the shell wrapper argument vector (argv) can change between approval and execution. This discrepancy allows a command shape to be executed that was not originally checked against the allowlist, potentially bypassing intended command restrictions. The vulnerability affects the shell wrapper feature and depends on operator configuration and input trust boundaries. The issue does not alter OpenClaw's trusted-operator model but requires careful policy and approval management. A fix is available starting with version 2026.5.18.
CVSS v4.0
Affected software
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Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in OpenClaw involves a race or logic flaw where the argv of a shell wrapper command can be altered after approval but before execution. This means that the command actually run may differ from the one that was vetted, allowing execution of commands not checked against the allowlist. The impact depends on whether lower-trust inputs can reach this execution path and the operator's configuration. The vulnerability is scoped to the shell wrapper feature and does not affect the overall trusted-operator security model. The first stable patched version is 2026.5.18.
Potential Impact
An attacker or lower-trust input that can reach the affected shell wrapper feature could cause execution of commands that were not approved or checked against the allowlist. This could lead to unauthorized command execution depending on the operator's configuration and the presence of lower-trust inputs. The vulnerability does not affect the trusted-operator model itself but can bypass allowlist checks for shell wrapper commands.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available in OpenClaw version 2026.5.18. Until patched, operators should require explicit approval for shell wrappers and avoid durable allowlists for commands that heavily use wrappers. Additional mitigations include keeping channel and tool allowlists narrow, avoiding sharing one Gateway between mutually untrusted users, and disabling the affected shell wrapper feature when not needed.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-2j8v-hwgc-x698
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- []
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
- Database Specific Severity
- HIGH
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
Threat ID: 6a46ecd327e9c7971943f34c
Added to database: 07/02/2026, 22:57:23 UTC
Last enriched: 07/02/2026, 23:22:01 UTC
Last updated: 07/03/2026, 03:34:53 UTC
Views: 4
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