OpenClaw is an npm-distributed agent runtime

Why it is Yellow

• CVSS 6.7 medium

References

• https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-rgjw-6v73-php6
• https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-before-2026.7.1-allowlist-bypass-via-workspace-shadows

Original description

OpenClaw is an npm-distributed agent runtime. In versions >= 2026.2.26 and < 2026.7.1, PowerShell command analysis on Windows hosts running in exec allowlist mode could approve an exact executable resolved from PATH but subsequently execute a same-named executable located in the workspace directory. If lower-trust content can place an executable with an approved basename into an agent-writable workspace and steer an approved PowerShell command that uses a bare executable name, OpenClaw may run the workspace file instead of the allowlisted path, executing arbitrary code with the privileges of the Gateway or node-host user. The issue does not require replacement of the approved executable itself. Version 2026.7.1 contains a fix; as a workaround, avoid bare executable names in approved PowerShell commands and keep executable files out of agent-writable workspaces.