Openclaw cli: OpenClaw has a Path Traversal in Browser Download Functionality (CVE-2026-26972)
Description
OpenClaw CLI versions from 2026.1.29 up to 2026.2.12 contain a path traversal vulnerability in the browser download functionality. This flaw allows authenticated users with CLI or gateway RPC token access to write files outside the intended temporary downloads directory. The vulnerability is fixed in version 2026.2.13 by restricting download paths to a designated directory.
CVSS v3.1
Score 6.7medium
Affected software
Run on your own infrastructure? Check whether these packages are installed with threat-finder — our free open-source scanner.
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
OpenClaw's browser download helpers accepted an unsanitized output path parameter, enabling path traversal when invoked via browser control gateway routes. This allowed downloads to be written outside the intended OpenClaw temporary downloads directory. The vulnerability is not exposed through the AI agent tool schema and requires authenticated CLI or gateway RPC token access. The affected code is in src/browser/pw-tools-core.downloads.ts, specifically the functions waitForDownloadViaPlaywright and downloadViaPlaywright. The issue was fixed in version 2026.2.13 by enforcing path restrictions via resolvePathWithinRoot on the gateway browser control routes /wait/download and /download.
Potential Impact
An authenticated attacker with CLI or gateway RPC token access can exploit this vulnerability to write files outside the designated temporary downloads directory, potentially overwriting or placing malicious files in unauthorized locations. This could lead to compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade OpenClaw CLI to version 2026.2.13 or later, which includes a fix that restricts download paths to the default download directory. No other mitigation is required as the fix fully addresses the vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-26972
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6ac245ce12601ec6a3167fd8
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:25:50 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 13:13:22 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:37 UTC
Views: 2
Community Reviews
0 reviewsCrowdsource mitigation strategies, share intel context, and vote on the most helpful responses. Sign in to add your voice and help keep defenders ahead.
Want to contribute mitigation steps or threat intel context? Sign in or create an account to join the community discussion.
Actions
Updates to AI analysis require Pro Console access. Upgrade inside Console → Billing.
Need more coverage?
Upgrade to Pro Console for AI refresh and higher limits.
For incident response and remediation, OffSeq services can help resolve threats faster.
Latest Threats
Check if your credentials are on the dark web
Instant breach scanning across billions of leaked records. Free tier available.