OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 contain an environment variable injection vulnerability in the system.run function that allows attackers to bypass command allowlist restrictions via SHELLOPTS and PS4 environment variables. An attacker who can invoke system.run with request-scoped environment variables can execute arbitrary shell commands outside the intended allowlisted command body through bash xtrace expansion.
Attack Parameters
Attack Vector
Network
Can be exploited remotely
Attack Complexity
High
Difficult to exploit
Attack Requirements
None
No additional conditions
Privileges Required
High
Admin 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)
Vulnerable Products 1
| Configuration | From (including) | Up to (excluding) |
|---|---|---|
|
Openclaw Openclaw
cpe:2.3:a:openclaw:openclaw:*:*:*:*:*:node.js:*:*
|
— |
2026.2.22
|
References 3
https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/e80c803fa887f9699ad87a9e906ab5c1ff8…
disclosure@vulncheck.com
https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-2fgq-7j6h-9rm4
disclosure@vulncheck.com
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-remote-code-execution-via-shellop…
disclosure@vulncheck.com