CVE-2026-29610 in OpenClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 03/06/2026
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.14 contain a command hijacking vulnerability that allows attackers to execute unintended binaries by manipulating PATH environment variables through node-host execution or project-local bootstrapping. Attackers with authenticated access to node-host execution surfaces or those running OpenClaw in attacker-controlled directories can place malicious executables in PATH to override allowlisted safe-bin commands and achieve arbitrary command execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-29610 represents a critical command hijacking flaw within OpenClaw versions earlier than 2026.2.14 that fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems relying on this automation framework. This weakness stems from improper handling of environment variables, specifically the PATH variable, which creates opportunities for privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability operates through a combination of path manipulation and trust assumptions inherent in the software's execution model, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users or processes interact with the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the trust model employed by OpenClaw's node-host execution mechanisms and project-local bootstrapping features. When attackers gain authenticated access to execution surfaces or can control the working directory where OpenClaw operates, they can strategically place malicious binaries in directories that appear earlier in the PATH environment variable than the legitimate system directories. This path precedence allows the system to execute attacker-controlled code instead of the intended safe binaries, effectively bypassing the application's built-in security controls. The flaw manifests because OpenClaw does not properly validate or sanitize the execution environment before launching subprocesses, creating a dangerous attack surface where attackers can manipulate the execution context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise when attackers can leverage the PATH manipulation to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the OpenClaw process. This capability allows for lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, and persistence establishment through the execution of malicious payloads. The vulnerability's exploitation requires either authenticated access to node-host execution surfaces or the ability to control the working directory, which makes it particularly concerning in shared or multi-tenant environments where directory access controls may be insufficient. Organizations using OpenClaw in production environments face significant risk if they have not updated to version 2026.2.14 or later, as the vulnerability can be exploited by both internal and external threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate version updates to OpenClaw 2026.2.14 or later, which contain patches addressing the PATH manipulation issue. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as restrictive PATH configurations, environment variable sanitization, and monitoring for suspicious PATH modifications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path and ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures including process monitoring, file integrity checks, and privileged access controls. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their OpenClaw implementations to identify potential exploitation vectors and implement least privilege principles for all execution contexts to minimize the impact of such vulnerabilities.