OpenClaw through 2026.2.22 contains a symlink traversal vulnerability in agents.create and agents.update handlers that use fs.appendFile on IDENTITY.md without symlink containment checks. Attackers with workspace access can plant symlinks to append attacker-controlled content to arbitrary files, enabling remote code execution via crontab injection or unauthorized access via SSH key manipulation.
OpenClaw before 2026.3.25 contains a privilege escalation vulnerability where silent local shared-auth reconnects auto-approve scope-upgrade requests, widening paired device permissions from operator.read to operator.admin. Attackers can exploit this by triggering local reconnection to silently escalate privileges and achieve remote code execution on the node.
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 on macOS contain a path validation bypass vulnerability in the exec-approval allowlist mode that allows local attackers to execute unauthorized binaries by exploiting basename-only allowlist entries. Attackers can execute same-name local binaries ./echo without approval when security=allowlist and ask=on-miss are configured, bypassing intended path-based policy restrictions.
OpenClaw versions 2026.1.21 prior to 2026.2.19 contain a path hijacking vulnerability in tools.exec.safeBins that allows attackers to bypass allowlist checks by controlling process PATH resolution. Attackers who can influence the gateway process PATH or launch environment can execute trojan binaries with allowlisted names, such as jq, circumventing executable validation controls.
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.1 fail to properly handle authentication bootstrap errors during startup, allowing browser-control routes to remain accessible without authentication. Local processes or loopback-reachable SSRF paths can exploit this to access browser-control routes including evaluate-capable actions without valid credentials.
OpenClaw version 2026.2.19-2 prior to 2026.2.21 contains a command injection vulnerability in systemd unit file generation where attacker-controlled environment values are not validated for CR/LF characters, allowing newline injection to break out of Environment= lines and inject arbitrary systemd directives. An attacker who can influence config.env.vars and trigger service install or restart can execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the OpenClaw gateway service user.
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 contain an arbitrary shell execution vulnerability in shell environment fallback that trusts the unvalidated SHELL path from the host environment. An attacker with local environment access can inject a malicious SHELL variable to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the OpenClaw process.
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.24 contain a policy bypass vulnerability in the safeBins allowlist evaluation that trusts static default directories including writable package-manager paths like /opt/homebrew/bin and /usr/local/bin. An attacker with write access to these trusted directories can place a malicious binary with the same name as an allowed executable to achieve arbitrary command execution within the OpenClaw runtime context.
OpenClaw versions 2026.2.26 prior to 2026.3.1 on Windows contain a current working directory injection vulnerability in wrapper resolution for .cmd/.bat files that allows attackers to influence execution behavior through cwd manipulation. Remote attackers can exploit improper shell execution fallback mechanisms to achieve command execution integrity loss by controlling the current working directory during wrapper resolution.
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.19 contain a local command injection vulnerability in Windows scheduled task script generation due to unsafe handling of cmd metacharacters and expansion-sensitive characters in gateway.cmd files. Local attackers with control over service script generation arguments can inject arbitrary commands by providing metacharacter-only values or CR/LF sequences that execute unintended code in the scheduled task context.
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.19 contain a command injection vulnerability in the Lobster extension tool execution that uses Windows shell fallback with shell: true after spawn failures. Attackers can inject shell metacharacters in command arguments to execute arbitrary commands when subprocess launch fails with EINVAL or ENOENT errors.
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.25 contain a time-of-check-time-of-use vulnerability in approval-bound system.run execution where the cwd parameter is validated at approval time but resolved at execution time. Attackers can retarget a symlinked cwd between approval and execution to bypass command execution restrictions and execute arbitrary commands on node hosts.
OpenClaw versions 2026.1.5 prior to 2026.2.12 fail to enforce mandatory authentication on the /agent/act browser-control HTTP route, allowing unauthorized local callers to invoke privileged operations. Remote attackers on the local network or local processes can execute arbitrary browser-context actions and access sensitive in-session data by sending requests to unauthenticated endpoints.
OpenClaw is a personal AI assistant. Prior to version 2026.2.15, OpenClaw embedded the current working directory (workspace path) into the agent system prompt without sanitization. If an attacker can cause OpenClaw to run inside a directory whose name contains control/format characters (for example newlines or Unicode bidi/zero-width markers), those characters could break the prompt structure and inject attacker-controlled instructions. Starting in version 2026.2.15, the workspace path is sanitized before it is embedded into any LLM prompt output, stripping Unicode control/format characters and explicit line/paragraph separators. Workspace path resolution also applies the same sanitization as defense-in-depth.
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.19 contain a command injection vulnerability in Windows Scheduled Task script generation where environment variables are written to gateway.cmd using unquoted set KEY=VALUE assignments, allowing shell metacharacters to break out of assignment context. Attackers can inject arbitrary commands through environment variable values containing metacharacters like &, |, ^, %, or ! to achieve command execution when the scheduled task script is generated and executed.
OpenClaw version 2026.2.22 prior to 2026.2.23 contain an arbitrary code execution vulnerability in shell-env that allows attackers to execute attacker-controlled binaries by exploiting trusted-prefix fallback logic for the $SHELL variable. An attacker can influence the $SHELL environment variable on systems with writable trusted-prefix directories such as /opt/homebrew/bin to execute arbitrary binaries in the OpenClaw process context.
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 2026.2.25 contain a symlink traversal vulnerability in the agents.files.get and agents.files.set methods that allows reading and writing files outside the agent workspace. Attackers can exploit symlinked allowlisted files to access arbitrary host files within gateway process permissions, potentially enabling code execution through file overwrite attacks.
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.2 contain a vulnerability in the stageSandboxMedia function in which it fails to validate destination symlinks during media staging, allowing writes to follow symlinks outside the sandbox workspace. Attackers can exploit this by placing symlinks in the media/inbound directory to overwrite arbitrary files on the host system outside sandbox boundaries.
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.22 contain a symlink traversal vulnerability in avatar handling that allows attackers to read arbitrary files outside the configured workspace boundary. Remote attackers can exploit this by requesting avatar resources through gateway surfaces to disclose local files accessible to the OpenClaw process.
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.2 contain a path-confinement bypass vulnerability in browser output handling that allows writes outside intended root directories. Attackers can exploit insufficient canonical path-boundary validation in file write operations to escape root-bound restrictions and write files to arbitrary locations.
Vulnerabilities in the Drive Composer allow a low privileged attacker to create and write to a file anywhere on the file system as SYSTEM with arbitrary content as long as the file does not already exist. The Drive Composer installer file allows a low-privileged user to run a "repair" operation on the product.
Vulnerabilities in the Drive Composer allow a low privileged attacker to create and write to a file anywhere on the file system as SYSTEM with arbitrary content as long as the file does not already exist. The Drive Composer installer file allows a low-privileged user to run a "repair" operation on the product.
Vulnerabilities in the Drive Composer allow a low privileged attacker to create and write to a file anywhere on the file system as SYSTEM with arbitrary content as long as the file does not already exist. The Drive Composer installer file allows a low-privileged user to run a "repair" operation on the product.
A link following vulnerability in the anti-malware solution portion of Trend Micro Deep Security 20.0 agents could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations. Please note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
A Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') vulnerability in a script called by the sendmail systemd service of openSUSE Factory allows local attackers to escalate from user mail to root. This issue affects: SUSE openSUSE Factory sendmail versions prior to 8.17.1-1.1.
A vulnerability in the update process of Docker Desktop for Windows versions prior to 4.41.0 could allow a local, low-privileged attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM. During an update, Docker Desktop attempts to delete files and subdirectories under the path C:\ProgramData\Docker\config with high privileges. However, this directory often does not exist by default, and C:\ProgramData\ allows normal users to create new directories. By creating a malicious Docker\config folder structure at this location, an attacker can force the privileged update process to delete or manipulate arbitrary system files, leading to Elevation of Privilege.
Trend Micro Password Manager (Consumer) version 5.0.0.1266 and below is vulnerable to a Link Following Privilege Escalation Vulnerability that could allow a low privileged local attacker to delete the contents of an arbitrary folder as SYSTEM which can then be used for privilege escalation on the affected machine.
Compressing is a compressing and uncompressing lib for node. Prior to 2.1.1 and 1.10.5, the patch for CVE-2026-24884 relies on a purely logical string validation within the isPathWithinParent utility. This check verifies if a resolved path string starts with the destination directory string but fails to account for the actual filesystem state. By exploiting this "Logical vs. Physical" divergence, an attacker can bypass the security check using a Directory Poisoning technique (pre-existing symbolic links). This vulnerability is fixed in 2.1.1 and 1.10.5.
Measuresoft ScadaPro Server and Client (All Versions) do not properly resolve links before file access; this could allow privilege escalation..
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft PC Manager allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
Improper link resolution before file access ('link following') in Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally.
A security link following local privilege escalation vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One, Trend Micro Apex One as a Service, Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security 10.0 SP1 and Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Services agents could allow a local attacker to create an writable folder in an arbitrary location and escalate privileges affected installations. Please note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
A security link following local privilege escalation vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One, Trend Micro Apex One as a Service, Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security 10.0 SP1 and Trend Micro Worry-Free Business Security Services agents could allow a local attacker to create a mount point and leverage this for arbitrary folder deletion, leading to escalated privileges on affected installations. Please note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
Windows Print Spooler Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Check Point Endpoint Security Client for Windows versions earlier than E86.40 copy files for forensics reports from a directory with low privileges. An attacker can replace those files with malicious or linked content, such as exploiting CVE-2020-0896 on unpatched systems or using symbolic links.
VMware Horizon Agent for Linux (prior to 22.x) contains a local privilege escalation as a user is able to change the default shared folder location due to a vulnerable symbolic link. Successful exploitation can result in linking to a root owned file.
A security agent link following vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations. Please note: an attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
Windows User Profile Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
checkinstall 1.6.2, when used to create a package that contains a symlink, may trigger the creation of a mode 0777 executable file.
Trend Micro Antivirus for Mac 2020 (Consumer) is vulnerable to a symbolic link privilege escalation attack where an attacker could exploit a critical file on the system to escalate their privileges. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
A vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One, Worry-Free Business Security 10.0 SP1 and Worry-Free Business Security Services on macOS may allow an attacker to manipulate a certain binary to load and run a script from a user-writable folder, which then would allow them to execute arbitrary code as root. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
A vulnerability in Trend Micro OfficeScan XG SP1 on Microsoft Windows may allow an attacker to create a hard link to any file on the system, which then could be manipulated to gain a privilege escalation and code execution. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. This CVE is similar, but not identical to CVE-2020-24556.
A vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One, OfficeScan XG SP1, Worry-Free Business Security 10 SP1 and Worry-Free Business Security Services on Microsoft Windows may allow an attacker to create a hard link to any file on the system, which then could be manipulated to gain a privilege escalation and code execution. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. Please note that version 1909 (OS Build 18363.719) of Microsoft Windows 10 mitigates hard links, but previous versions are affected.
Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery versions prior to 5.5.13.1 contain a symbolic link attack vulnerability. A low-privileged attacker with local access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to arbitrary file deletion and Elevation of Privileges.
Himmelblau is an interoperability suite for Microsoft Azure Entra ID and Intune. Prior to 3.1.0 and 2.3.8, the himmelblaud-tasks daemon, running as root, writes Kerberos cache files under /tmp/krb5cc_<uid> without symlink protections. Since commit 87a51ee, PrivateTmp is explicitly removed from the tasks daemon's systemd hardening, exposing it to the host /tmp. A local user can exploit this via symlink attacks to chown or overwrite arbitrary files, achieving local privilege escalation. This vulnerability is fixed in 3.1.0 and 2.3.8.
A potential security vulnerability has been identified in the HP Touchpoint Analytics Service for certain HP PC products with versions prior to 4.2.2439. This vulnerability could potentially allow a local attacker to escalate privileges. HP is providing software updates to mitigate this potential vulnerability.
Writing to an unprivileged file from a privileged OVRRedir.exe process in Oculus Desktop before 1.44.0.32849 on Windows allows local users to write to arbitrary files and consequently gain privileges via vectors involving a hard link to a log file.
Windows Installer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
Private Tunnel installer for macOS version 3.0.1 and older versions may corrupt system critical files it should not have access via symlinks in /tmp.