CVE-2026-32978: OpenClaw: Unrecognized script runners could bypass `system.run` approval integrity

Summary

In affected versions of openclaw, node-host system.run approvals did not bind a mutable file operand for some script runners, including forms such as tsx and jiti. An attacker could obtain approval for a benign script-runner command, rewrite the referenced script on disk, and have the modified code execute under the already approved run context.

Impact

Deployments that rely on node-host system.run approvals for script integrity could execute rewritten local code after operator approval. This can lead to unintended local code execution as the OpenClaw runtime user.

Affected Packages and Versions

• Package: openclaw (npm)
• Affected versions: < 2026.3.11
• Fixed in: 2026.3.11

Technical Details

The approval planner only tracked mutable script operands for a hardcoded set of interpreters and runtime forms. Commands such as tsx ./run.ts and jiti ./run.ts fell through without a bound file snapshot, so the final pre-execution revalidation step was skipped.

Fix

OpenClaw now fails closed for approval-backed interpreter and runtime commands unless it can bind exactly one concrete local file operand, and it extends direct-file binding coverage for additional runtime forms. The fix shipped in [email protected].

Workarounds

Upgrade to 2026.3.11 or later.