CVE-2026-32055: OpenClaw: workspace path guard bypass on non-existent out-of-root symlink leaf

Summary

openclaw had a workspace boundary bypass in workspace-only path validation: when an in-workspace symlink pointed outside the workspace to a non-existent leaf, the first write could pass validation and create the file outside the workspace.

Affected Packages / Versions

• Package: openclaw (npm)
• Vulnerable versions: <= 2026.2.25
• Patched versions: >= 2026.2.26 (pre-set for next planned release)
• Latest published npm version at update time: 2026.2.25

Details

The boundary check path resolved aliases in a way that allowed a non-existent out-of-root symlink target to pass the initial validation window. A first write through the guarded workspace path could therefore escape the workspace boundary.

The fix hardens canonical boundary resolution so missing-leaf alias paths are evaluated against canonical containment, while preserving valid in-root aliases. This closes the first-write escape condition without regressing valid in-root alias usage.

Fix Commit(s)

• 46eba86b45e9db05b7b792e914c4fe0de1b40a23
• 1aef45bc060b28a0af45a67dc66acd36aef763c9

Release Process Note

patched_versions is pre-set to the planned next release (2026.2.26). Once npm release 2026.2.26 is published, this advisory can be published directly.

Thanks @tdjackey for reporting.