CVE-2026-27566 in OpenClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 03/19/2026
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 contain an allowlist bypass vulnerability in system.run exec analysis that fails to unwrap env and shell-dispatch wrapper chains. Attackers can route execution through wrapper binaries like env bash to smuggle payloads that satisfy allowlist entries while executing non-allowlisted commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-27566 represents a critical security flaw in OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 that specifically targets the system.run exec analysis functionality. This issue manifests as an allowlist bypass mechanism that fundamentally undermines the security controls designed to restrict command execution within the system. The vulnerability operates by exploiting a failure in the analysis process to properly unwrap environment variable contexts and shell-dispatch wrapper chains that are commonly employed in legitimate system operations. This technical shortcoming creates a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent security controls that would otherwise prevent unauthorized command execution.
The core technical flaw resides in the insufficient parsing and analysis of execution contexts within the system.run exec analysis component. When the system processes commands through wrapper binaries such as env or bash, the analysis mechanism fails to properly trace or unwrap these intermediate execution layers. This allows attackers to construct command sequences that appear to comply with allowlist restrictions while actually executing arbitrary code through the wrapper chain. The vulnerability specifically affects the shell-dispatch wrapper chain unwrapping process, where legitimate system utilities are used to mask malicious payloads within seemingly safe execution paths. This represents a classic case of command injection through indirect execution pathways that bypass traditional input validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential full system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive resources. Attackers can leverage this bypass to execute commands that would normally be restricted, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system enumeration, or further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where OpenClaw is used for system management or automation tasks, as these scenarios often involve executing commands with elevated privileges. The ability to smuggle payloads through wrapper binaries creates a sophisticated attack vector that can evade detection by traditional security monitoring systems that rely on simple command pattern matching rather than deep execution context analysis.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of OpenClaw systems to version 2026.2.22 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for proper wrapper chain unwrapping. Organizations should also implement enhanced monitoring of system execution contexts, particularly focusing on unusual combinations of wrapper binaries and command sequences. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the updated system to ensure that legitimate execution flows continue to function correctly while the security bypass is eliminated. Security teams should also consider implementing additional layers of protection such as process monitoring, execution context validation, and regular security assessments to detect similar vulnerabilities in other system components. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-88 categories related to command injection and improper neutralization of special elements, and represents a technique that could be mapped to ATT&CK tactics including privilege escalation and defense evasion through indirect command execution methods.