GHSA-x82f-27x3-q89c OpenClaw's TOCTOU symlink race in writeFileWithinRoot could create or truncate files outside root boundaries
An attacker can exploit a race condition to create or truncate files outside the intended root directory, potentially compromising system integrity.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not stated
- Attackable
- Not stated
- Victim action needed
- Not needed
- Fix
- Available
What is GHSA-x82f-27x3-q89c?
GHSA-x82f-27x3-q89c is a vulnerability in openclaw, published on 2 Mar 2026.
Official description
Summary
A symlink-retarget TOCTOU race in writeFileWithinRoot could point an attacker-controlled path alias outside the configured root between resolution and write operations.
Impact
Affected versions could cause out-of-root write side effects (including file creation or truncation) before final boundary validation.
Fix
Root-scoped write flow now opens existing files without pre-truncation, creates missing files with exclusive create semantics, truncates only after post-open identity/boundary checks, and removes out-of-root artifacts when a race is detected.
Affected and Patched Versions
- Affected:
<= 2026.2.26 - Patched:
2026.3.1
Which versions are affected by GHSA-x82f-27x3-q89c?
2 open source packages ship an affected version, including openclaw.
| Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
openclaw npm | All versions | 2026.3.1 |
openclaw npm | All versions | 2026.3.1 |
How do I fix GHSA-x82f-27x3-q89c?
Upgrade openclaw to 2026.3.1 or later.
Is GHSA-x82f-27x3-q89c being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of GHSA-x82f-27x3-q89c in the wild and no public exploit code.