CVE-2026-31997: OpenClaw — MEDIUM

OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.1 fail to pin executable identity for non-path-like argv[0] tokens in system.run approvals, allowing post-approval executable rebind attacks. Attackers can modify PATH resolution after approval to execute a different binary than the operator approved, enabling...

Full CISO analysis pending enrichment.

What systems are affected?

Package	Ecosystem	Vulnerable Range	Patched
OpenClaw	pip	—	No patch
4 dependents 37% patched ~3d to patch Full package profile →

Do you use OpenClaw? You're affected.

How severe is it?

CVSS 3.1

6.0 / 10

EPSS

N/A

Exploitation Status

No known exploitation

Sophistication

N/A

What is the attack surface?

AV Local

AC High

PR Low

UI Required

S Unchanged

C High

I High

A None

What should I do?

No patch available

Monitor for updates. Consider compensating controls or temporary mitigations.

Which compliance frameworks are affected?

Compliance analysis pending. Sign in for full compliance mapping when available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-31997?

OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.1 fail to pin executable identity for non-path-like argv[0] tokens in system.run approvals, allowing post-approval executable rebind attacks. Attackers can modify PATH resolution after approval to execute a different binary than the operator approved, enabling arbitrary command execution.

Is CVE-2026-31997 actively exploited?

No confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2026-31997 has been reported, but organizations should still patch proactively.

How to fix CVE-2026-31997?

No patch is currently available. Monitor vendor advisories for updates.

What is the CVSS score for CVE-2026-31997?

CVE-2026-31997 has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.0 (MEDIUM).

What are the technical details?

Original Advisory

OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.1 fail to pin executable identity for non-path-like argv[0] tokens in system.run approvals, allowing post-approval executable rebind attacks. Attackers can modify PATH resolution after approval to execute a different binary than the operator approved, enabling arbitrary command execution.

Weaknesses (CWE)

CWE-367 Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition

CWE-367 — Time-of-check Time-of-use (TOCTOU) Race Condition: The product checks the state of a resource before using that resource, but the resource's state can change between the check and the use in a way that invalidates the results of the check.

[Implementation] The most basic advice for TOCTOU vulnerabilities is to not perform a check before the use. This does not resolve the underlying issue of the execution of a function on a resource whose state and identity cannot be assured, but it does help to limit the false sense of security given by the check.
[Implementation] When the file being altered is owned by the current user and group, set the effective gid and uid to that of the current user and group when executing this statement.

Source: MITRE CWE corpus.