CVE-2026-53836
highpriority · track · 0EPSS 0.005 · 39 %ileDEEUUSEPSS · scored 2026-10-27
OpenClaw before 2026.5.12 contains an allowlist bypass vulnerability in PowerShell encoded-command handling that allows attackers to execute encoded commands using abbreviated flag aliases not recognized by the allowlist parser. Remote authenticated operators can bypass execution allowlist checks by using unrecognized encoded-command alias forms to execute arbitrary PowerShell content.
cvss
Technical severity, 0–10. One row per scoring source.
base score 0–10 · higher = more severe · hover a vector to decode⚠ sources disagree · medium–high · 6.3–8.8
ssvc
A stakeholder decision — act, attend, or track — from exploitation and impact.
weaknesses
The CWE weakness classes this flaw belongs to.
affected products (7)
Products and version ranges known to be affected.
advisories (2)
Vendor and ecosystem advisories describing this.
- WID-SEC-W-2026-1913OpenClaw: Mehrere Schwachstellen ermöglichen die Umgehung von SicherheitsmaßnahmenDeutsch2026-06-14csaf · cert_bundDE
Ein entfernter, authentisierter Angreifer kann mehrere Schwachstellen in OpenClaw ausnutzen, um Sicherheitsmaßnahmen zu umgehen und so Daten zu manipulieren oder beliebigen Code auszuführen.
- GHSA-j472-gf56-x589OpenClaw: PowerShell encoded-command aliases could miss exec allowlist checks2026-07-02ghsa · osvUS
### Summary PowerShell encoded-command aliases could miss exec allowlist checks. In affected versions, a command request using abbreviated encoded-command flags could use an alias form not recognized by the allowlist parser. This advisory is scoped to the named feature and configuration. It does not change OpenClaw's trusted-operator model: authenticated Gateway operators, installed plugins, and intentional local execution surfaces remain trusted unless a separate policy, approval, allowlist, sandbox, or auth boundary is crossed. ### Impact When the affected feature is enabled and reachable, this could run encoded PowerShell content without the intended allowlist decision. Practical impact depends on the operator's configuration and whether lower-trust input can reach that path. ### Patched Versions The first stable patched version is `2026.5.12`. ### Mitigations Avoid allowlisting PowerShell wrapper forms and require approval for encoded commands until patched. As general hardening, keep channel and tool allowlists narrow, avoid sharing one Gateway between mutually untrusted users, and disable the affected feature when it is not needed.
also known as (3)
Other names and identifiers for this entity.
sources
Which sources assert this record, and when.
references (7)
External citations — patches, advisories, analysis.
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/releasesPatchcnnvd
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-j472-gf56-x589cnnvd
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-allowlist-bypass-via-powershell-encoded-command-aliasescnnvd
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-j472-gf56-x589enisa_euvd
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-allowlist-bypass-via-powershell-encoded-command-aliasesenisa_euvd
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-j472-gf56-x589MitigationVendor Advisorynvd
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-allowlist-bypass-via-powershell-encoded-command-aliasesThird Party Advisorynvd
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