OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.19 contain a command injection vulnerability in the Lobster extension tool execution. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject shell metacharacters in command arguments, potentially leading to arbitrary command execution. The issue arises from the use of Windows shell fallback with shell: true after subprocess launch failures, specifically when errors like EINVAL or ENOENT occur.
The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 5.8, classifying it as medium severity. It is crucial for organizations using OpenClaw to understand the implications of this vulnerability, as it could allow unauthorized command execution in their environments.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of services. Given the nature of the command injection, the impact on integrity and availability is high, making it a significant concern for affected organizations.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. As of now, there are no known exploits or proof of concepts publicly available.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability described is a command injection vulnerability present in OpenClaw's Lobster extension tool execution. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands if they can inject shell metacharacters into command arguments. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-78 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')).
The CVSS base score for this vulnerability is 5.8, indicating a medium severity level. It is primarily exploited through a local attack vector, with low attack complexity and low privileges required. User interaction is not necessary for exploitation, making it more critical.
The vulnerability was published on March 19, 2026, and the affected versions include all versions prior to 2026.2.19. Organizations using OpenClaw should ensure they are updated to mitigate exposure.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of command arguments within the Lobster extension tool. The use of a Windows shell fallback with the shell option set to true allows for shell metacharacter injection during subprocess launch failures.
The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have access to the system where OpenClaw is running. The attack complexity is low, as the conditions for exploitation are straightforward, requiring merely the injection of shell metacharacters into command arguments.
Privileges required for exploitation are low, and no user interaction is necessary. This vulnerability impacts both integrity and availability significantly, as successful exploitation could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to unauthorized access or denial of service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of services due to arbitrary command execution. The integrity and availability impacts are high, as attackers may leverage this vulnerability to gain control over the affected systems.
The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is significant. With a CVSS score of 5.8, it is advisable for organizations to prioritize this in their patch management cycles to avoid potential exploitation.
Given the medium severity and the possibility of severe impacts, organizations should schedule remediation swiftly to ensure their systems remain secure.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of OpenClaw prior to 2026.2.19 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest version to mitigate risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the patch provided by OpenClaw to remediate this vulnerability. The updated version is 2026.2.19, which addresses the command injection issue by removing the Windows shell fallback.
If patching is not immediately possible, organizations can implement configuration hardening by disabling any features in OpenClaw that rely on the Lobster extension tool until the patch can be applied.
Monitoring network traffic for suspicious command execution attempts can help identify potential exploitation attempts while remediation is in progress.
For more information on penetration testing and security assessments, organizations should consider engaging in penetration testing to validate the effectiveness of their security measures.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unexpected command executions and subprocess failures. Additionally, behavioral anomalies in application usage patterns should be investigated.
Network signatures for unusual command execution attempts can assist in identifying attacks targeting this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2026-32000 lies in its demonstration of the risks associated with command injection vulnerabilities in widely used tools. This incident highlights the necessity for robust input validation and secure coding practices.
Security teams should take this as a reminder of the importance of regular updates and vulnerability management as part of their operational security strategy.
Organizations can benefit from adopting a comprehensive vulnerability management program to proactively address potential security weaknesses.
Furthermore, investing in penetration testing methodologies can help organizations identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Overall, CVE-2026-32000 serves as a crucial reminder for organizations to maintain a proactive approach to security.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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