OpenClaw: Shell positional parameters could weaken strict inline-eval checks

Exploitation

No confirmed exploitation recorded. Patch Next marks exploitation only from CISA KEV.

CVSS 4.0

7.6 · CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N · score source

EPSS

• CVE-2026-53855: 0.26% estimated exploitation activity in the next 30 days; percentile 17.83 (FIRST EPSS, 2026-11-03). This is a model estimate, not proof of exploitation or customer exposure.

As published by the source; long descriptions are shortened.

Summary Shell positional parameters could weaken strict inline-eval checks. In affected versions, a command request that combines allowlisted tools with shell positional arguments could place inline-eval content in a shell carrier not covered by the strict check. This advisory is scoped to the named feature and configuration. It does not change OpenClaw's trusted-operator model: authenticated Gateway operators, installed plugins, and intentional local execution surfaces remain trusted unless a separate policy, approval, allowlist, sandbox, or auth boundary is crossed. Impact When the affected feature is enabled and reachable, this could run shell-provided content outside the intended allowlist rule. Practical impact depends on the operator's configuration and whether lower-trust input can reach that path. Patched Versions The first stable patched version is 2026.4.2. Mitigations avoid allowlisting shell carrier patterns and require approval for shell wrappers until patched. As…

Published by the source

18 Jun 2026, 20:12 UTC

Last modified by the source

18 Jun 2026, 20:26 UTC

Source last checked

26 Oct 2026, 12:56 UTC

1. Revision 3 · amended · 26 Oct 2026

   Amended from ghsa record GHSA-5cj2-3jr2-5h77

2. Revision 2 · amended · 24 Oct 2026

   Reviewed OSV alias/range/CVSS4 correction; package source scopes and original publication preserved. No customer finding resolved.

3. Revision 1 · created · 24 Oct 2026

   Published from osv record GHSA-5cj2-3jr2-5h77

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# Patch Next advisory brief: CVE-2026-53855

Advisory: OpenClaw: Shell positional parameters could weaken strict inline-eval checks
IDs: CVE-2026-53855, GHSA-5cj2-3jr2-5h77
Record: https://patchnext.com/advisories/cve-2026-53855 (revision 3, source checked 26 Oct 2026, 12:56 UTC)
Inventory: none attached. This brief comes from a public page and does not say whether any deployment is affected.
Severity: High (CVSS 7.6)
Exploitation: no confirmed exploitation recorded. Patch Next confirms exploitation only from CISA KEV.
Vendor response: Vendor fix available; fixed versions by package: openclaw 2026.4.2. A vendor fix does not mean a deployment is fixed.

## Affected components
- npm openclaw: affected < 2026.4.2; fixed in 2026.4.2

## Suggested inspection (read-only)
- `npm ls openclaw --all`: lists every installed copy and version, including transitive ones. Run in the project root after `npm ci`.

## Supported action
Upgrade each affected component to a fixed version on its release line. For a transitive dependency, upgrade the parent package or add an override or constraint, then regenerate the lockfile. Redeploy every environment that ran an affected version.

## Required regression checks
- Run the test suite and a production build.
- Exercise the features that depend on openclaw.
- Repeat the inspection and confirm that only fixed versions remain installed.

## Rollback considerations
- Keep the previous lockfile and deployment artifact. Rolling back reinstates the vulnerable version, so apply any documented mitigation while you fix forward.

## Unresolved questions
- Which deployments run an affected version?
- Exploitation status can change. Check again before lowering the priority.
- Mark the work resolved only after the fixed version is verified in production.

## Sources
- Verified: https://osv.dev/vulnerability/GHSA-5cj2-3jr2-5h77 (OSV record GHSA-5cj2-3jr2-5h77 lists affected ranges: npm openclaw >=0 <2026.4.2 (fixed))
- Verified: https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-5cj2-3jr2-5h77 (GitHub-reviewed advisory GHSA-5cj2-3jr2-5h77 lists affected ranges: npm openclaw >=0 <2026.4.2)

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