# GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf: OpenClaw plugin runtime command execution is part of trusted plugin boundary

> Clarifies that OpenClaw plugins execute with full process privileges, meaning runtime command helpers do not provide sandbox isolation.

- **Severity:** Not scored
- **Exploited in the wild:** Not known
- **Login needed:** Not needed
- **Attackable:** Not stated
- **Victim action needed:** Not needed
- **Fix available:** Yes
- **Published:** 3 Mar 2026

## What is GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf?

GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf is a vulnerability in openclaw, published on 3 Mar 2026. 

### Official description

### Summary
OpenClaw plugins/extensions run in-process and are treated as trusted code. This advisory tracks trust-boundary clarification around plugin runtime command execution (`runtime.system.runCommandWithTimeout`).

### Impact
Plugins already execute with the same OS privileges as the OpenClaw process. Exposing runtime command helpers does not cross an additional sandbox boundary.

### Affected Packages / Versions
- Package: `openclaw` (npm)
- Latest published version reviewed: `2026.2.17`
- Affected range for this advisory record: `<= 2026.2.17`
- Planned patched version metadata: `2026.2.19` (next release line)

### Fix Commit(s)
- `2e421f32dfc589c02706265fd3c3137ffc06c4b1`

### Remediation
- Install only trusted plugins.
- Use `plugins.allow` to pin explicit trusted plugin IDs.
- SECURITY.md now explicitly documents that plugin runtime helpers are convenience APIs, not a sandbox boundary.

OpenClaw thanks @markmusson for reporting.

## Which versions are affected by GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf?

2 open source packages ship an affected version, including openclaw.


| Package | Ecosystem | Affected | Fixed in |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `openclaw` | npm | All versions | 2026.2.19 |
| `openclaw` | npm | All versions | 2026.2.19 |

## How do I fix GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf?

Upgrade openclaw to 2026.2.19 or later.

## Is GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf in the wild and no public exploit code.

## Fix prompt for AI coding agents

```text
Check this codebase for GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf and fix it if it is affected.

What it is: GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf is a vulnerability in openclaw, published on 3 Mar 2026. 
Exploitation: There is no known exploitation of GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf in the wild and no public exploit code.

Affected packages and fixed versions:
- openclaw (npm): affected all versions; fixed in 2026.2.19
- openclaw (npm): affected all versions; fixed in 2026.2.19

Task:
1. Search the dependency manifests and lockfiles (for example package.json, package-lock.json, requirements.txt, poetry.lock, uv.lock, pom.xml, build.gradle, go.mod, Cargo.lock, Gemfile.lock) and any Dockerfiles for the affected packages, including transitive dependencies.
2. If an affected version is in use, upgrade it to the fixed version for its release line with the project's package manager, so the lockfile is regenerated. Prefer the smallest upgrade that fixes it.
3. If there is no fix, or the upgrade would break the build, do not guess: explain the risk and the safest workaround instead.
4. Run the tests and summarise what changed and why.
5. If nothing in the project is affected, say so and change nothing.

Reference: https://insights.sbomify.com/GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf/ (Markdown: https://insights.sbomify.com/GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf/index.md)
```

## Sources

- OSV: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf

---
From sbomify Insights: https://insights.sbomify.com/GHSA-ff98-w8hj-qrxf/
Summaries are generated and may contain mistakes; the official description above is the record.