CVE-2026-32020

OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 contain a path traversal vulnerability in the static file handler that follows symbolic links, allowing out-of-root file reads. Attackers can place symlinks under the Control UI root directory to bypass directory confinement checks and read arbitrary files outside the intended root.

OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 contain a path traversal vulnerability in the static file handler that follows symbolic links, allowing out-of-root file reads. Attackers can place symlinks under the Control UI root directory to bypass directory confinement checks and read arbitrary files outside the intended root.

Summary

The Control UI static file handler previously validated asset paths lexically and then served files with APIs that follow symbolic links. A symlink placed under the Control UI root could cause out-of-root file reads.

Affected Packages / Versions

• Package: openclaw (npm)
• Latest published version observed: 2026.2.21-2
• Affected versions: <=2026.2.21-2
• Planned fixed release version: 2026.2.22

Technical Details

The vulnerable flow was in src/gateway/control-ui.ts, where path.join(...) + string-prefix checks were followed by file reads that resolved symlinks. This allowed directory-confinement bypasses when symlinks existed inside the Control UI root.

The fix now enforces realpath containment and verifies file identity before serving Control UI assets and SPA fallback index.html.

Impact

• Vulnerability type: path traversal / external file exposure via symlink following.
• Primary impact: confidentiality (out-of-root file read).
• Severity guidance: low in supported trusted-operator deployments; can be higher in unsupported shared-writable setups.

Fix Commit(s)

• 7c500ff6236fa087ec1ec88696ca9f6881e90dc5

Release Process Note

patched_versions is pre-set to the planned next release (2026.2.22). After npm release is available, publish the advisory.

OpenClaw thanks @tdjackey for reporting.

OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 contain a path traversal vulnerability in the static file handler that follows symbolic links, allowing out-of-root file reads. Attackers can place symlinks under the Control UI root directory to bypass directory confinement checks and read arbitrary files outside the intended root.

OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 contain a path traversal vulnerability in the static file handler that follows symbolic links, allowing out-of-root file reads. Attackers can place symlinks under the Control UI root directory to bypass directory confinement checks and read arbitrary files outside the intended root.

Summary

The Control UI static file handler previously validated asset paths lexically and then served files with APIs that follow symbolic links. A symlink placed under the Control UI root could cause out-of-root file reads.

Affected Packages / Versions

• Package: openclaw (npm)
• Latest published version observed: 2026.2.21-2
• Affected versions: <=2026.2.21-2
• Planned fixed release version: 2026.2.22

Technical Details

The vulnerable flow was in src/gateway/control-ui.ts, where path.join(...) + string-prefix checks were followed by file reads that resolved symlinks. This allowed directory-confinement bypasses when symlinks existed inside the Control UI root.

The fix now enforces realpath containment and verifies file identity before serving Control UI assets and SPA fallback index.html.

Impact

• Vulnerability type: path traversal / external file exposure via symlink following.
• Primary impact: confidentiality (out-of-root file read).
• Severity guidance: low in supported trusted-operator deployments; can be higher in unsupported shared-writable setups.

Fix Commit(s)

• 7c500ff6236fa087ec1ec88696ca9f6881e90dc5

Release Process Note

patched_versions is pre-set to the planned next release (2026.2.22). After npm release is available, publish the advisory.

OpenClaw thanks @tdjackey for reporting.