CVE-2026-22179 in OpenClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2026
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 in macOS node-host system.run contain an allowlist bypass vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute non-allowlisted commands by exploiting improper parsing of command substitution tokens. Attackers can craft shell payloads with command substitution syntax within double-quoted text to bypass security restrictions and execute arbitrary commands on the system.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-22179 affects OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 in macOS node-host system.run environments, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the system's command execution controls. This vulnerability manifests as an allowlist bypass mechanism that fundamentally compromises the security model designed to restrict command execution to only approved operations. The flaw resides in how the system processes command substitution tokens within double-quoted text contexts, creating a parsing inconsistency that attackers can exploit to circumvent intended security boundaries. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of shell command parsing and access control mechanisms, creating a dangerous gap in the security architecture that can be leveraged by remote threat actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of command substitution syntax within the shell parsing engine of the OpenClaw system. When command substitution tokens are embedded within double-quoted strings, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate these constructs, allowing malicious payloads to be interpreted as legitimate commands. This parsing error creates a path where attackers can inject shell metacharacters such as backticks or the $() syntax within quoted contexts, effectively bypassing the allowlist enforcement mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects the system.run component which processes user input and translates it into system commands, making it a critical attack surface for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. This issue aligns with CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in shell commands, and represents a classic example of command injection vulnerability in a restricted execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it enables attackers to perform comprehensive system compromise operations through the node-host system.run interface. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the compromised system user, potentially leading to full system takeover, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network. The bypass capability means that even systems with strict command allowlists can be compromised, undermining the entire security posture of the OpenClaw deployment. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where the system.run component operates with elevated privileges or where it serves as an interface to critical infrastructure components. The attack vector is remote and requires no local access, making it highly attractive to threat actors seeking to exploit the system without physical presence or direct network access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2026-22179 must address both the immediate vulnerability and the underlying parsing mechanism that enables the bypass. The primary recommendation involves updating to OpenClaw version 2026.2.22 or later, which includes proper sanitization of command substitution tokens within quoted contexts. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation that strips or properly escapes shell metacharacters from all user-supplied input before processing, particularly within double-quoted strings. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual command execution patterns. The implementation of principle of least privilege principles for the system.run component is essential, ensuring that even if exploitation occurs, the attacker's capabilities remain limited. Additionally, security teams should consider implementing runtime application self-protection mechanisms and regular security assessments to identify similar parsing vulnerabilities in other system components, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.004 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation.