Openclaw cli: OpenClaw has allowlist exec-guard bypass via env -S (CVE-2026-31992)
Description
OpenClaw CLI versions before 2026.2.23 have a medium severity vulnerability (CVE-2026-31992) where the allowlist exec-guard can be bypassed using 'env -S'. This causes a mismatch between policy analysis and runtime execution for shell wrapper payloads, weakening safety controls designed for trusted operators. The issue is fixed in versions 2026.2.23 and later.
CVSS v4.0
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
In OpenClaw CLI's allowlist mode, the system.run guardrails intended to restrict command execution can be bypassed by using 'env -S'. Specifically, when '/usr/bin/env' is allowlisted, the command 'env -S "sh -c ..."' is incorrectly treated as allowed non-wrapper arguments, while the runtime executes shell-wrapper semantics. This discrepancy leads to a policy-analysis/runtime-execution mismatch, weakening the safety behavior of exec approvals and allowlists. The vulnerability affects versions >=2026.1.29 and <2026.2.23 and was addressed by commits a1c4bf07c6baad3ef87a0e710fe9aef127b1f606 and 3f923e831364d83d0f23499ee49961de334cf58b.
Potential Impact
This vulnerability allows authenticated trusted operators to bypass exec-guard safety controls, potentially enabling unintended command execution when untrusted content influences tool input. It does not break authentication boundaries but weakens expected safety behavior in the trusted-operator model.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available and should be applied. Upgrade OpenClaw CLI to version 2026.2.23 or later to address this vulnerability. No additional mitigation is required as the fix restores correct policy and runtime parity.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-31992
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
Threat ID: 6ac245dd12601ec6a31684c4
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:26:05 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 13:22:33 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:37 UTC
Views: 4
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