CVE-2026-32015 in OpenClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2026
OpenClaw versions 2026.1.21 prior to 2026.2.19 contain a path hijacking vulnerability in tools.exec.safeBins that allows attackers to bypass allowlist checks by controlling process PATH resolution. Attackers who can influence the gateway process PATH or launch environment can execute trojan binaries with allowlisted names, such as jq, circumventing executable validation controls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-32015 resides within OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.19, specifically affecting the tools.exec.safeBins component that enforces allowlist-based executable validation. This path hijacking vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the software's security architecture where the system's PATH resolution mechanism becomes exploitable by malicious actors seeking to circumvent established security controls. The flaw fundamentally undermines the integrity of the allowlist validation process by leveraging the inherent behavior of how operating systems resolve executable paths when multiple binaries share identical names across different directories.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the process PATH environment variable or launch environment configuration, enabling attackers to position malicious binaries with names matching those permitted in the allowlist. When the system attempts to execute a command such as jq, which is typically included in the allowed list, an attacker can place a trojan binary named jq in a directory that appears earlier in the PATH sequence. This allows the system to execute the malicious binary instead of the legitimate one, effectively bypassing the security controls designed to prevent execution of unauthorized code. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic path traversal attack vector where the security model relies on absolute path resolution but fails to account for relative path resolution behavior in the execution environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the trust model that underpins the software's security controls. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the running process, potentially leading to complete system compromise or data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where OpenClaw is deployed as a gateway or middleware component, as it could allow attackers to bypass security controls in broader network infrastructure. This weakness creates a persistent backdoor opportunity that remains active as long as the vulnerable software version is deployed, making it a significant concern for organizations maintaining legacy systems or those with delayed patching cycles.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching to version 2026.2.19 or later, which addresses the PATH resolution flaw through improved path validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement additional runtime protections such as absolute path enforcement for all executable calls, ensuring that binaries are referenced with full paths rather than relying on PATH resolution. The implementation of secure coding practices that enforce proper PATH handling and validate executable locations can prevent similar issues in other software components. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of PATH environment variables and ensure that directories with elevated privileges are positioned appropriately in the PATH sequence. From an operational security perspective, implementing application whitelisting solutions that enforce strict binary execution policies and monitoring for suspicious PATH modifications can provide additional layers of defense. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element and follows ATT&CK technique T1059.001 Command and Scripting Interpreter, representing a fundamental failure in input validation and execution control mechanisms that requires both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues in related systems.