OpenClaw exec-approvals allowlist validation checks pre-expansion argv tokens but execution uses real shell expansion, allowing safe bins like head, tail, or grep to read arbitrary local files via glob patterns or environment variables. Authorized callers or prompt-injection attacks can exploit this to disclose files readable by the gateway or node process when host execution is enabled in allowlist mode.
Attack Parameters
Attack Vector
Local
Requires local access
Attack Complexity
Low
Easy to exploit
Attack Requirements
None
No additional conditions
Privileges Required
None
No privileges needed
User Interaction
None
No user interaction needed
Impact Assessment
Confidentiality
High
Complete data leak
Integrity
High
Complete data modification
Availability
High
Complete denial of service
CVSS Vector v4.0
Weakness Type (CWE)
References 3
https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/77b89719d5b7e271f48b6f49e334a8b9914…
disclosure@vulncheck.com
https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-xvhf-x56f-2hpp
disclosure@vulncheck.com
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-arbitrary-file-read-via-shell-exp…
disclosure@vulncheck.com