OpenClaw is an npm-distributed agent runtime. In versions >= 2026.2.26 and < 2026.7.1, PowerShell command analysis on Windows hosts running in exec allowlist mode could approve an exact executable resolved from PATH but subsequently execute a same-named executable located in the workspace directory. If lower-trust content can place an executable with an approved basename into an agent-writable workspace and steer an approved PowerShell command that uses a bare executable name, OpenClaw may run the workspace file instead of the allowlisted path, executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the Gateway or node-host user. The issue does not require replacement of the approved executable itself. Version 2026.7.1 contains a fix; as a workaround, avoid bare executable names in approved PowerShell commands and keep executable files out of agent-writable workspaces.
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-before-2026.7.1-allowlist-bypass-via-workspace-shadows
https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-rgjw-6v73-php6
Published: 2026-09-26
Updated: 2026-10-05
Base Score: 6
Vector: CVSS2#AV:L/AC:H/Au:S/C:C/I:C/A:C
Severity: Medium
Base Score: 6.7
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Severity: Medium
Base Score: 5.4
Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:H/AT:P/PR:L/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
Severity: Medium
EPSS: 0.00097