CVE-2026-53861

Description

### Summary macOS Swift exec allowlist missed combined POSIX inline flags. In affected versions, a command request using combined POSIX inline-command flags could miss inline-command content expressed through combined flags. 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 shell content outside the intended allowlist check. 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 `2026.5.6`. ### Mitigations require approval for combined shell flag forms on macOS 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.

How to fix CVE-2026-53861

To remediate CVE-2026-53861, upgrade the affected package to a fixed version below.

• —upgrade to 2026.5.6 or later

Is CVE-2026-53861 being exploited?

No exploitation signal available. Neither CISA KEV nor a current EPSS score has been published for CVE-2026-53861.

Affected packages (1)

• from 0, < 2026.5.6

CVSS scores

References (4)

• ADVISORYnvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-53861
• PATCHgithub.com/openclaw/openclaw
• WEBgithub.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-c226-q6fx-6j6c
• WEBwww.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-allowlist-bypass-via-combined-posix-inline-flags-on-macos