CVE-2026-32056
OpenClaw's shell startup env injection bypasses system.run allowlist intent (RCE class)
Impact
### Summary `system.run` environment sanitization allowed shell-startup env overrides (`HOME`, `ZDOTDIR`) that can execute attacker-controlled startup files before allowlist-evaluated command bodies. ### Affected Packages / Versions - Package: `openclaw` (npm) - Affected: `<= 2026.2.21-2` (latest published vulnerable version) - Planned patched version: `>= 2026.2.22` ### Technical Details In affected versions: - Env sanitization blocked many dangerous keys, but not startup-sensitive override keys (`HOME`, `ZDOTDIR`) in host exec env paths. - Shell-wrapper analysis for allowlist mode models command bodies, but not shell startup side effects. - Runtime execution used sanitized env, so attacker-provided startup-key overrides could run hidden startup payloads first. Observed exploit vectors: - `HOME` + `bash -lc` + malicious `.bash_profile` - `ZDOTDIR` + `zsh -c` + malicious `.zshenv` ### Fix Commit(s) - `c2c7114ed39a547ab6276e1e933029b9530ee906` ### Release Process Note `patched_versions` is pre-set to the planned next release (`>= 2026.2.22`). After the npm release is published, this advisory can be published directly. OpenClaw thanks @tdjackey for reporting.
Affected packages
| Ecosystem | Package | Affected | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm | openclaw | < 2026.2.22 | 2026.2.22 |
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions |
|---|---|---|
| Openclaw | Openclaw | before 2026.2.22 |
Weakness classification
References
- NVD record
- CVE.org record
- GitHub advisory
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/c2c7114ed39a547ab6276e1e933029b9530ee906
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-xgf2-vxv2-rrmg
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-remote-code-execution-via-shell-startup-environment-variable-injection-in-system-run
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-xgf2-vxv2-rrmg
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-32056