Openclaw cli: OpenClaw has Zip Slip path traversal in tar archive extraction (CVE-2026-28453)
Description
OpenClaw CLI versions before 2026.2.14 contain a Zip Slip path traversal vulnerability in TAR archive extraction. This flaw allows crafted TAR archives to write files outside the intended extraction directory, potentially leading to configuration tampering or code execution if untrusted archives are installed. The issue is fixed in version 2026.2.14.
CVSS v3.1
Score 8.1high
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
OpenClaw CLI versions prior to 2026.2.14 insufficiently validate TAR archive entry paths during extraction in the extractArchive() function. The extraction uses tar.x({ cwd: destDir }) without rejecting path traversal sequences or absolute paths, enabling crafted archives to write files outside the destination directory. This affects installation flows such as 'openclaw plugins install' and 'openclaw hooks install'. The vulnerability is tracked as CVE-2026-28453 and has a CVSS 3.1 score of 8.1 (high severity).
Potential Impact
An attacker who can supply a malicious TAR or TGZ archive to OpenClaw's installation commands can cause files to be written outside the intended directory with the permissions of the OpenClaw process. This can lead to configuration tampering and potentially code execution. The vulnerability requires user interaction (installing an untrusted archive) and network attack vector.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade OpenClaw CLI to version 2026.2.14 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. Additionally, avoid installing untrusted plugin or hook archives to prevent exploitation.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-28453
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6ac245c912601ec6a3167f13
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:25:45 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 13:10:43 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:37 UTC
Views: 2
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