CVE-2026-31996
Input Validation Bypass in OpenClaw Allows Arbitrary File Access
Publication date: 2026-03-19
Last updated on: 2026-03-25
Assigner: VulnCheck
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| openclaw | openclaw | to 2026.2.19 (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?
[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'CVE-2026-31996 is an input validation bypass vulnerability in OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.19, specifically in the tools.exec.safeBins component. This vulnerability allows attackers who already have command execution access to bypass intended stdin-only restrictions by exploiting certain command-line flags in the sort and grep commands.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': "Attackers can use the sort command's output flags (-o or --output) to perform arbitrary file writes."}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': "Attackers can use the grep command's recursive flag (-R) to perform recursive file reads."}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in OS commands (CWE-78) and an incomplete list of disallowed inputs (CWE-184), which allows malicious input to alter command behavior and circumvent protections.'}] [2, 3]
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
[{'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'This vulnerability can impact you by allowing an attacker with existing command execution privileges to escalate their capabilities to perform unintended filesystem operations.'}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': "Arbitrary file writes via the sort command's output flags, potentially modifying or creating files without authorization."}, {'type': 'list_item', 'content': "Recursive file reads via the grep command's recursive flag, potentially exposing sensitive files and data."}, {'type': 'paragraph', 'content': 'Such unauthorized filesystem access can lead to data integrity issues, information disclosure, and further compromise of the affected system.'}] [2, 3]
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?
To mitigate this vulnerability, you should upgrade OpenClaw to version 2026.2.19 or later, where the issue has been fixed.
Avoid using or allowing the use of the vulnerable flags in the sort and grep commands within the tools.exec.safeBins functionality, specifically the sort -o (output) flag and the grep -R (recursive) flag, as these enable bypassing stdin-only restrictions.