Description
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 contain an allowlist bypass vulnerability in system.run that allows attackers to execute non-allowlisted commands by splitting command substitution using shell line-continuation characters. Attackers can bypass security analysis by injecting $\\ followed by a newline and opening parenthesis inside double quotes, causing the shell to fold the line continuation into executable command substitution that circumvents approval boundaries.
Problem types
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') (CWE-78)
Product status
Any version before 2026.2.22
Credits
tdjackey
References
github.com/...enclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-9868-vxmx-w862 (GitHub Security Advisory (GHSA-9868-vxmx-w862))
github.com/...ommit/3f0b9dbb36c86e308267924c0d3d4a4e1fc4d1e9 (Patch Commit)
www.vulncheck.com/...tion-command-substitution-in-system-run (VulnCheck Advisory: OpenClaw < 2026.2.22 - Allowlist Bypass via Shell Line-Continuation Command Substitution in system.run)