OpenClaw: macOS optional allowlist basename matching could bypass path-based policy
Summary
On macOS node-host, optional exec-approval allowlist mode previously treated basename-only entries (for example echo) as trusted command matches.
This could allow a same-name local binary (for example ./echo) to run without approval under security=allowlist + ask=on-miss.
Scope / Preconditions
- macOS node-host path.
- Optional exec approvals feature enabled with
security=allowlist. - Basename-only allowlist entries configured.
Default install posture is not impacted: security=deny by default.
Affected Packages / Versions
- Package:
openclaw(npm) - Latest published npm version at triage time:
2026.2.21-2 - Vulnerable range:
<=2026.2.21-2 - Planned patched version (next release):
>= 2026.2.22
Remediation
- Enforced path-only allowlist matching on macOS node-host (basename fallback removed).
- Added migration for legacy basename allowlist entries to last-resolved paths when available.
- UI/store validation now rejects non-path allowlist patterns.
Fix Commit(s)
- dd41fadcaf58fd9deb963d6e163c56161e7b35dd
Release Process Note
Patched version is pre-set for the planned next release (2026.2.22). Once that npm release is out, advisory can be published without further field edits.
OpenClaw thanks @tdjackey for reporting.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | openclaw | < 2026.2.22 | 2026.2.22 |
References
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-7f4q-9rqh-x36p
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-32016
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/dd41fadcaf58fd9deb963d6e163c56161e7b35dd
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-path-traversal-via-basename-only-allowlist-matching-on-macos
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-426, CWE-863- Platform
- npm
- Package
openclaw- Disclosed
- 03.03.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-7f4q-9rqh-x36p - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: openclaw
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 589
- First → latest
- 02.2026 10.2026
- Without a fix
- 9
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 20
- High 215
- Medium 300
- Low 54
Disclosures per year
- 2026: 589
-
OpenClaw: macOS optional allowlist basename matching could bypass path-based policy this entry
Know which vulnerabilities affect your application
With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.