CVE-2026-28463
Shell Expansion Injection in OpenClaw exec-approvals Allows Arbitrary File Disclosure
Publication date: 2026-03-05
Last updated on: 2026-04-08
Assigner: VulnCheck
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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| Percentile: |
Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| openclaw | openclaw | to 2026.2.14 (exc) |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-78 | The product constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command when it is sent to a downstream component. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability exists in OpenClaw's exec-approvals allowlist validation. The system checks command arguments before shell expansion, but when executing, it uses the real shell expansion. This discrepancy allows commands that are considered safe, such as head, tail, or grep, to be exploited to read arbitrary local files by using glob patterns or environment variables.
Authorized users or attackers performing prompt-injection can exploit this flaw to disclose files that the gateway or node process can read, but only when host execution is enabled in allowlist mode.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized disclosure of local files accessible by the gateway or node process. Attackers or authorized callers can exploit the shell expansion behavior to read sensitive files, potentially exposing confidential information.
Since the vulnerability allows reading arbitrary files, it can compromise confidentiality and integrity, leading to high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability as indicated by the CVSS scores.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
I don't know
How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
I don't know
What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
I don't know