OpenClaw Vulnerability: macOS Optional Allowlist Basename Matching Bypass

openclaw Updated 04 Mar 2026

Summary

03/03/2026

Disclosed on

MODERATE

Severity

Yes i

Fix available

Moderate

Severity

5.1

CVSS Score

GHSA-7f4q-9rqh-x36p: OpenClaw: macOS optional allowlist basename matching could bypass path-based policy. Affects openclaw versions < 2026.2.22. Fixed in 2026.2.22. How to fix ↓

Free scan

Check if this vulnerability affects your application

Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.

Check my app free

No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds

Upload your dependency manifest or SBOM

Drag & drop your file here or Browse

Java Javascript PHP Python Go Rust Ruby Dart C/C++ Elixir CycloneDX SPDX

Upload a supported dependency manifest or SBOM. No installation or source-code access required.

See supported files and SBOM formats

SBOM sbom.json · bom.json · bom.xml · *.spdx.json · *.cdx.json · *.cdx.xml

Java pom.xml · gradle.lockfile · buildscript-gradle.lockfile

Javascript package-lock.json · yarn.lock · pnpm-lock.yaml

PHP composer.lock

Python poetry.lock · requirements.txt · Pipfile.lock

Go go.mod

Rust Cargo.lock

Ruby Gemfile.lock

Dart pubspec.lock

C/C++ conan.lock

Elixir mix.lock

Enter your work email to receive your report link.

Verify your email to view the full report and start 30 days of continuous monitoring. No credit card required.

Background

OpenClaw is an npm package designed to facilitate secure command execution on macOS systems by implementing an execution approval system. It allows users to define a list of trusted commands that can be executed, enhancing security by preventing unauthorized command execution. However, a vulnerability exists in its optional exec-approval allowlist mode, which could lead to security breaches if not addressed.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability arises from the way OpenClaw handles basename-only entries in its allowlist. On macOS node-hosts, commands like 'echo' could be executed without proper approval if a local binary with the same name exists (e.g., './echo'). This situation occurs under the configuration of 'security=allowlist' and 'ask=on-miss', potentially allowing malicious binaries to run unchecked. The default installation posture is not impacted as it defaults to 'security=deny'.

How To Fix

Latest published version: 2026.10.6 as of 22 Oct 2026

npm install openclaw@2026.10.6

Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.

If you need the minimum change

2026.2.22

This is the first release that contains the fix.

npm install openclaw@2026.2.22

Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →

Workaround

As a temporary workaround, you can disable the optional exec approvals feature by setting 'security=deny' in your configuration. This will prevent any command execution without explicit approval, mitigating the risk until the package is updated.

Conclusion

The OpenClaw package has a vulnerability that allows basename matching to bypass path-based policies on macOS. It is crucial to update to version 2026.2.22 or later to ensure proper security measures are in place. Users should also consider using Vulert for ongoing monitoring of vulnerabilities in their applications.

See every vulnerability recorded for openclaw →