Description
OpenClaw exec-approvals allowlist validation checks pre-expansion argv tokens but execution uses real shell expansion, allowing safe bins like head, tail, or grep to read arbitrary local files via glob patterns or environment variables. Authorized callers or prompt-injection attacks can exploit this to disclose files readable by the gateway or node process when host execution is enabled in allowlist mode.
Problem types
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')
Product status
Any version before 2026.2.14
References
github.com/...enclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-xvhf-x56f-2hpp (GitHub Security Advisory (GHSA-xvhf-x56f-2hpp))
github.com/...ommit/77b89719d5b7e271f48b6f49e334a8b991468c3b (Patch Commit)
www.vulncheck.com/...-shell-expansion-in-safe-bins-allowlist (VulnCheck Advisory: OpenClaw < 2026.2.14 - Arbitrary File Read via Shell Expansion in Safe Bins Allowlist)