CVE-2026-53866
OpenClaw: Shell inline-command parsing could miss an allowlist check
Description
### Summary Shell inline-command parsing could miss an allowlist check. In affected versions, a command request using shell inline-command forms could route an inline command through a parser case that did not receive the expected allowlist decision. 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 without the intended approval or allowlist prompt. 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 require approval for shell inline-command forms 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-2026-53866
To remediate CVE-2026-53866, upgrade the affected package to a fixed version below.
- —upgrade to 2026.5.12 or later
Is CVE-2026-53866 being exploited?
No exploitation signal available. Neither CISA KEV nor a current EPSS score has been published for CVE-2026-53866.
Affected packages (1)
- from 0, < 2026.5.12
CVSS scores
| Source | Version | Severity | Vector |
|---|---|---|---|
| osv | CVSS 4.0 | — | CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N |
| osv | CVSS 3.1 | HIGH8.1 | CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N |