Openclaw cli: OpenClaw's sandbox skill mirroring path traversal vulnerability could write outside the sandbox workspace (CVE-2026-28457)
Description
OpenClaw CLI versions before 2026.2.14 contain a path traversal vulnerability in the sandbox skill mirroring feature. This flaw allows a crafted skill name with traversal sequences or absolute paths to cause files to be written outside the intended sandbox workspace directory. The vulnerability requires an attacker to supply a malicious skill package and the victim to run OpenClaw with sandbox and skill mirroring enabled. A fix is available in version 2026.2.14 and later.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.1high
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 sandbox skill mirroring uses the skill's frontmatter 'name' as part of the destination path when copying skills into the sandbox workspace. If the skill name contains path traversal segments (e.g., '../') or an absolute path, the copy operation can write files outside the sandbox workspace root directory. This vulnerability affects openclaw CLI versions >=2026.1.29 and <2026.2.14. The issue is fixed in version 2026.2.14.
Potential Impact
An attacker who can provide a crafted skill package controlling the SKILL.md frontmatter 'name' can cause files to be written outside the sandbox workspace directory. This write occurs with the permissions of the user running OpenClaw, potentially leading to unauthorized file modification or system compromise. The vulnerability does not impact confidentiality but has high integrity impact and low availability impact.
Mitigation Recommendations
Upgrade openclaw CLI to version 2026.2.14 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed. No additional mitigation is required once the update is applied.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-28457
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6ac245c912601ec6a3167f10
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:25:45 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 13:10:24 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:37 UTC
Views: 1
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.