Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
OpenClaw before 2026.2.14 can expose files when host execution is enabled in allowlist mode. The issue is that OpenClaw approves command arguments before shell expansion, then runs the expanded command. This can let an authorized user, or a prompt-injection path, read files accessible to the OpenClaw gateway or node process.
Executive priority
Treat this as a high-priority remediation for OpenClaw environments using host execution. The main business risk is sensitive file disclosure from systems running OpenClaw. Prioritize upgrade and configuration review, especially for AI-agent workflows exposed to untrusted content or user prompts.
Technical view
CVE-2026-28463 is an arbitrary file read in OpenClaw exec-approvals allowlist validation. The check evaluates pre-expansion argv tokens, but execution uses real shell expansion. Allowed binaries such as head, tail, or grep can therefore be paired with shell-expanded inputs to disclose process-readable files. The issue is fixed in 2026.2.14 per advisory and patch reference.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to OpenClaw deployments before 2026.2.14 using host execution in allowlist mode. Risk is higher where agents can be influenced by untrusted prompts or where authorized users can request tool execution. Source metadata has an odd affected-version entry, so confirm installed OpenClaw versions directly.
Exploitation context
The source bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or confirmed active exploitation. The described paths require either authorized access to execution features or prompt injection that influences host execution. Impact can include disclosure of sensitive local files readable by the OpenClaw process.
Researcher notes
The core weakness is a validation/execution mismatch around shell expansion, mapped in the bundle to CWE-78. Avoid assuming remote unauthenticated exploitation unless supported by deployment design. The published CVSS vector lists local attack vector but no privileges or user interaction, which may not fully describe every real-world access path.
Mitigation direction
- Upgrade OpenClaw to 2026.2.14 or later.
- Review the GitHub advisory and patch commit for vendor-specific remediation details.
- Disable host execution where it is not operationally required.
- Restrict exec-approval allowlists to the minimum necessary binaries and contexts.
- Harden prompt-injection controls for workflows that can trigger host execution.
Validation and detection
- Inventory OpenClaw instances and record exact versions.
- Identify deployments with host execution enabled in allowlist mode.
- Review exec-approval allowlists for safe-bin patterns involving file-reading utilities.
- Check OpenClaw logs for unusual approved file-reading activity.
- Confirm patched behavior against vendor advisory guidance in a non-production environment.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.
ATT&CK lookup starting points
Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.
CWE-78: Command execution behavior lookup
Command injection weaknesses can lead defenders to review execution techniques and command interpreter telemetry. Open the exact CWE lookup page first, then review the ATT&CK searches from that MITRE weakness context. This is a Glexia lookup hint, not an official ATT&CK mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupFile access behavior lookup
The CVE wording references file access or upload behavior, so file telemetry and web shell review may help. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2026-28463 mapping review
Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.
Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- High
- CVSS
- 8.6 (4.0)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
CVSS vector scores
1 official scoreWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N——Primary CVE scoreVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 4.0 score
8.6HighVector: CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- GitHub Security Advisory (GHSA-xvhf-x56f-2hpp)CVE reference · vendor-advisory
- Patch CommitCVE reference · patch
- VulnCheck Advisory: OpenClaw < 2026.2.14 - Arbitrary File Read via Shell Expansion in Safe Bins AllowlistCVE reference · third-party-advisory
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.