Openclaw cli: OpenClaw plugin runtime command execution is part of trusted plugin boundary
Description
OpenClaw CLI plugins run in-process with the same OS privileges as the main process, and runtime command execution helpers are part of the trusted plugin boundary. This advisory clarifies that these helpers do not introduce a new sandbox boundary. Users should only install trusted plugins and use explicit plugin ID pinning. A fix is planned in version 2026.2.19.
CVSS v4.0
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
OpenClaw CLI plugins/extensions execute in-process and are treated as trusted code with the same OS privileges as the OpenClaw process. The advisory clarifies that the runtime command execution helper (`runtime.system.runCommandWithTimeout`) is a convenience API within the trusted plugin boundary and does not cross an additional sandbox boundary. The affected package is the npm package 'openclaw' with versions up to and including 2026.2.17 affected. A patch is planned for version 2026.2.19. The remediation includes installing only trusted plugins and using the `plugins.allow` configuration to pin trusted plugin IDs. The SECURITY.md documentation now explicitly states that plugin runtime helpers are not sandbox boundaries.
Potential Impact
Since plugins run with the same OS privileges as the OpenClaw process, exposing runtime command helpers does not increase the attack surface beyond existing privileges. There is no additional sandbox boundary crossed by these helpers. The impact is limited to the trust level of installed plugins.
Mitigation Recommendations
Install only trusted plugins and use the `plugins.allow` setting to explicitly pin trusted plugin IDs. The vendor has documented that runtime command helpers are convenience APIs and not sandbox boundaries. A patch fixing this clarification and potentially improving controls is planned in version 2026.2.19.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
Threat ID: 6ac2458712601ec6a316408e
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:24:39 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 12:31:38 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 12:31:38 UTC
Views: 1
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