CVE-2026-53806

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Shell Option Parsing Bypass in OpenClaw

Publication date: 2026-06-11

Last updated on: 2026-06-12

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description

OpenClaw before 2026.5.12 contains a shell option parsing vulnerability that allows combined POSIX shell flags to bypass exec revalidation checks. Attackers can exploit this by using combined shell options to execute inline shell content without intended allowlist validation, potentially enabling unauthorized command execution when the affected feature is enabled.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-06-11

Last Modified

2026-06-12

Generated

2026-07-02

AI Q&A

2026-06-12

EPSS Evaluated

2026-06-30

NVD

CVE-2026-53806

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
openclaw	openclaw	to 2026.5.12 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-367	The product checks the state of a resource before using that resource, but the resource's state can change between the check and the use in a way that invalidates the results of the check.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability exists in OpenClaw versions before 2026.5.12 and involves a shell option parsing flaw. Specifically, it allows combined POSIX shell flags to bypass the usual exec revalidation checks. Attackers can exploit this by using combined shell options to execute inline shell commands without going through the intended allowlist validation.

As a result, unauthorized command execution can occur when the affected feature is enabled.

Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized command execution on systems running vulnerable versions of OpenClaw. This means attackers could potentially run arbitrary commands, which may compromise system integrity, confidentiality, and availability.

Compliance Impact

The vulnerability in OpenClaw (CVE-2026-53806) allows unauthorized command execution by bypassing intended allowlist validation through combined POSIX shell flags. This could lead to unauthorized access or manipulation of sensitive data if exploited, which may impact compliance with standards and regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA that require strict access controls and protection of sensitive information.

However, the actual impact on compliance depends on the operator's configuration, whether lower-trust input can reach the vulnerable path, and if the affected feature is enabled. Proper configuration, narrow allowlists, and disabling the vulnerable feature when unnecessary are recommended mitigations to reduce risk.

Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate the CVE-2026-53806 vulnerability in OpenClaw, you should take the following immediate steps:

Avoid using combined POSIX shell option forms in allowlisted commands until you have applied the patch.
Keep channel and tool allowlists as narrow as possible to reduce the attack surface.
Avoid sharing Gateways between untrusted users to prevent unauthorized access.
Disable the affected feature if it is not necessary in your environment.
Upgrade OpenClaw to version 2026.5.12 or later, where the vulnerability is patched.

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