GHSA-qhrr-grqp-6x2g OpenClaw's tools.exec.safeBins trusted PATH directories allowed binary shadowing in allowlist mode

Not scored Published 3 Mar 2026

Attackers can bypass exec allowlists in OpenClaw by shadowing safe binaries in trusted PATH directories, leading to arbitrary command execution.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: Available

What is GHSA-qhrr-grqp-6x2g?

GHSA-qhrr-grqp-6x2g is a vulnerability in openclaw, published on 3 Mar 2026. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Summary

In openclaw allowlist mode, tools.exec.safeBins trusted PATH-derived directories for safe-bin resolution. A same-name binary placed in a trusted PATH directory could satisfy safe-bin checks and execute.

Impact

This is an allowlist bypass in exec policy that can lead to command execution in the OpenClaw runtime context when allowlist mode relies on safe bins and an attacker can influence trusted binary locations.

Affected Packages / Versions

Package: openclaw (npm)
Vulnerable versions: <= 2026.2.21-2
Patched versions: >= 2026.2.22 (planned next release)
Latest published npm version at triage time (2026-02-22): 2026.2.21-2

Root Cause

Safe-bin trust accepted PATH-derived directories instead of explicit trusted directories.
Safe-bin execution used shell command tokens that could resolve to shadowed binaries.

Remediation

Stop trusting PATH-derived directories for safe-bin trust.
Add explicit tools.exec.safeBinTrustedDirs for opt-in extra trusted paths.
Pin safe-bin shell execution to resolved absolute executable paths.

Fix Commit(s)

64b273a71cf0b2f2419c974832cede1fc2158729

Release Process Note

patched_versions is pre-set to the planned next release (2026.2.22). After npm release, this advisory is ready for publish without additional field edits.

OpenClaw thanks @tdjackey for reporting.

Which versions are affected by GHSA-qhrr-grqp-6x2g?

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

Package	Affected	Fixed in
`openclaw` npm	All versions	`2026.2.22`
`openclaw` npm	All versions	`2026.2.22`

How do I fix GHSA-qhrr-grqp-6x2g?

Upgrade openclaw to 2026.2.22 or later.

Is GHSA-qhrr-grqp-6x2g being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of GHSA-qhrr-grqp-6x2g in the wild and no public exploit code.