CVE-2026-53806: OpenClaw · Combined POSIX shell options could confuse exec revalidation
Affects openclaw-cliSource GCVE Database
Not known to be exploited · CVSS 8.8 High : upgrade to 2026.5.12 soon.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 17:16 UTC
- EPSS
- 0.4% chance of exploitation in 30 days – higher than 35% of CVEsExploit Prediction Scoring System: the likelihood attackers will use this flaw soon.
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 2026.5.12
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HExploitation evidence
Disclosed: evidence found.
CVE published 13 Aug 2026
Detectable: no evidence on record.
No public nuclei template indexed
Weaponised: no evidence on record.
No public exploit code indexed in Metasploit or Exploit-DB
Exploited in the wildExploited: no evidence on record.
Not in CISA KEV and no source reports exploitation
Observed by OffSeq MirageSeen by Mirage: no evidence on record.
No attack traffic recorded by OffSeq Mirage sensors
A missing step is not evidence of safety. Sources: cve.org (opens in a new tab), the Metasploit, Exploit-DB and nuclei-templates index as of 26 Oct 2026.
What to do
Upgrade openclaw-cli to 2026.5.12.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
Homebrewopenclaw-clipkg:brew/openclaw-cliOther threats | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
Description
### Summary Combined POSIX shell options could confuse exec revalidation. In affected versions, a command request using combined shell flags could parse approval-time and execution-time shell options differently. This advisory is scoped to the named feature and configuration. It does not change OpenClaw's trusted-operator model: authenticated Gateway operators, installed plugins, and intentional local execution surfaces remain trusted unless a separate policy, approval, allowlist, sandbox, or auth boundary is crossed. ### Impact When the affected feature is enabled and reachable, this could run inline shell content without the intended allowlist decision. Practical impact depends on the operator's configuration and whether lower-trust input can reach that path. ### Patched Versions The first stable patched version is `2026.5.12`. ### Mitigations avoid combined shell option forms in allowlisted commands until patched. As general hardening, keep channel and tool allowlists narrow, avoid sharing one Gateway between mutually untrusted users, and disable the affected feature when it is not needed.
References
- github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-vxx3-6hc9-7cc3 (opens in a new tab)
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-53806 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/openclaw/openclaw (opens in a new tab)
- vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-shell-option-parsing-bypass-in-exec-revalidation (opens in a new tab)