CVE-2026-53831: OpenClaw's POSIX node system.run safe-bin allowlist could be widened by shell expansion
Affects openclawSource GCVE Database
Mentioned vulnerabilities
CVSS 7.1 High : upgrade to 2026.5.18 soon.
Data as of 26 Oct 2026, 15:56 UTC
- Patch
- Available – fixed in 2026.5.18
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:LWhat to do
Upgrade openclaw to 2026.5.18.
Affected software
| Product | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| npmopenclaw | Affected
| Fixed in
|
Check your own hosts for these packages with threat-finder (opens in a new tab), our free open-source scanner.
AI-suggested
Upgrade OpenClaw to version 2026.5.18 or later, where this issue is patched. Until upgrading, avoid broad safe-bin auto-approval for commands that can read arbitrary paths. Prefer explicit approval for node commands that access local files to reduce risk.
Description
OpenClaw's POSIX node system.run safe-bin allowlist can be bypassed due to shell expansion altering command interpretation. This allows a lower-privilege operator to cause an approved safe-bin command to read unintended local files on the node. The issue affects deployments using safe-bin or allowlist auto-approval with shell-expanded arguments on POSIX nodes. It is a policy enforcement gap in argument validation, not a direct unauthenticated takeover. The vulnerability is patched in OpenClaw version 2026.5.18.
References
- github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-mhq8-78pj-5j79 (opens in a new tab)
- github.com/openclaw/openclaw (opens in a new tab)
- nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-53831 (opens in a new tab)
- vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-arbitrary-file-read-via-shell-expansion-in-system-run-safe-bin-allowlist (opens in a new tab)