📄 Description (English)
OpenClaw before 2026.3.31 contains a symlink following vulnerability in SSH sandbox tar upload that allows remote attackers to write arbitrary files. Attackers can exploit this by uploading tar archives containing symlinks to escape the sandbox and overwrite files on the remote host.
🤖 AI Executive Summary
OpenClaw before version 2026.3.31 contains a critical symlink following vulnerability in its SSH sandbox tar upload functionality that allows remote attackers to write arbitrary files on affected systems. Attackers can craft malicious tar archives containing symlinks to escape sandbox restrictions and overwrite sensitive files, potentially leading to system compromise. This vulnerability affects Node.js-based deployments and requires immediate patching to prevent unauthorized file modification and potential privilege escalation.
📄 Description (Arabic)
🤖 AI Intelligence Analysis Analyzed: May 1, 2026 16:17
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia Impact Assessment
This vulnerability poses significant risk to Saudi organizations utilizing OpenClaw for SSH-based file transfer and deployment operations. Government agencies (NCA, CITC) and critical infrastructure operators (ARAMCO, SEC, STC) managing Node.js applications are particularly vulnerable. Banking sector (SAMA-regulated institutions) using OpenClaw for secure file uploads face risks of unauthorized access to financial data and system compromise. Healthcare organizations (MOH) and telecommunications providers could experience service disruption and data breach. The ability to write arbitrary files could enable attackers to modify configuration files, inject malicious code, or escalate privileges within critical systems.
🏢 Affected Saudi Sectors
Government (NCA, CITC)
Banking (SAMA-regulated institutions)
Energy (ARAMCO, SEC)
Telecommunications (STC, Mobily)
Healthcare (MOH)
Critical Infrastructure
🎯 MITRE ATT&CK Techniques
T1021.004 - Remote Services: SSH
T1566.002 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment
T1190 - Exploit Public-Facing Application
T1548.004 - Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism: Elevated Execution with Prompt
T1070.006 - Indicator Removal: Timestomp
T1036.005 - Masquerading: Match Legitimate Name or Location
⚖️ Saudi Risk Score (AI)
8.2
/ 10.0
🔧 Remediation Steps (English)
IMMEDIATE ACTIONS:
1. Identify all systems running OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.3.31 across your infrastructure
2. Restrict SSH access to OpenClaw services to trusted IP ranges only
3. Disable tar upload functionality if not actively required
4. Monitor file system changes in directories where OpenClaw processes uploads
PATCHING GUIDANCE:
1. Upgrade OpenClaw to version 2026.3.31 or later immediately
2. Test patches in non-production environments first
3. Implement staged rollout to minimize service disruption
4. Verify symlink handling is properly restricted post-patch
COMPENSATING CONTROLS (if immediate patching not possible):
1. Run OpenClaw in a restricted container with read-only root filesystem
2. Use AppArmor or SELinux to prevent symlink creation in upload directories
3. Implement file integrity monitoring (AIDE, Tripwire) on critical system files
4. Use chroot jails to isolate OpenClaw processes
DETECTION RULES:
1. Monitor for tar archives containing symlinks in upload traffic
2. Alert on file modifications outside expected OpenClaw directories
3. Track failed SSH authentication attempts to OpenClaw services
4. Monitor for unusual file ownership changes in system directories
🔧 خطوات المعالجة (العربية)
الإجراءات الفورية:
1. تحديد جميع الأنظمة التي تقوم بتشغيل إصدارات OpenClaw السابقة للإصدار 2026.3.31 عبر البنية التحتية الخاصة بك
2. تقييد وصول SSH إلى خدمات OpenClaw إلى نطاقات IP موثوقة فقط
3. تعطيل وظيفة تحميل tar إذا لم تكن مطلوبة بنشاط
4. مراقبة تغييرات نظام الملفات في الدلائل حيث تعالج OpenClaw التحميلات
إرشادات التصحيح:
1. ترقية OpenClaw إلى الإصدار 2026.3.31 أو أحدث على الفور
2. اختبار التصحيحات في بيئات غير الإنتاج أولاً
3. تنفيذ طرح مرحلي لتقليل انقطاع الخدمة
4. التحقق من أن معالجة الروابط الرمزية مقيدة بشكل صحيح بعد التصحيح
الضوابط البديلة (إذا لم يكن التصحيح الفوري ممكنًا):
1. تشغيل OpenClaw في حاوية مقيدة مع نظام ملفات جذر للقراءة فقط
2. استخدام AppArmor أو SELinux لمنع إنشاء الروابط الرمزية في دلائل التحميل
3. تنفيذ مراقبة سلامة الملفات (AIDE، Tripwire) على ملفات النظام الحرجة
4. استخدام أقفاص chroot لعزل عمليات OpenClaw
قواعد الكشف:
1. مراقبة أرشيفات tar التي تحتوي على روابط رمزية في حركة التحميل
2. تنبيه تعديلات الملفات خارج دلائل OpenClaw المتوقعة
3. تتبع محاولات المصادقة الفاشلة SSH لخدمات OpenClaw
4. مراقبة تغييرات ملكية الملفات غير العادية في دلائل النظام
📋 Regulatory Compliance Mapping
🟢 NCA ECC 2024
ECC 2024 A.5.1.1 - Access Control Policies
ECC 2024 A.8.2.1 - User Endpoint Devices
ECC 2024 A.8.3.1 - Information Access Restriction
ECC 2024 A.12.4.1 - Event Logging
ECC 2024 A.12.6.1 - Management of Technical Vulnerabilities
🔵 SAMA CSF
SAMA CSF ID.AM-2 - Software Inventory
SAMA CSF PR.AC-1 - Access Control
SAMA CSF PR.PT-1 - Security Awareness and Training
SAMA CSF DE.CM-1 - System Monitoring
SAMA CSF RS.MI-1 - Incident Response Planning
🟡 ISO 27001:2022
ISO 27001:2022 A.5.1 - Policies for Information Security
ISO 27001:2022 A.8.1 - User Endpoint Devices
ISO 27001:2022 A.8.3 - Access Control
ISO 27001:2022 A.12.4 - Logging
ISO 27001:2022 A.12.6 - Management of Technical Vulnerabilities
🟣 PCI DSS v4.0.1
PCI DSS 6.2 - Security Patches
PCI DSS 10.2 - Logging and Monitoring
PCI DSS 11.2 - Vulnerability Scanning
🔗 References & Sources 3
🔗
https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/3d5af14984ac1976c747a8e11581d697bd0829dc
disclosure@vulncheck.com
Patch
🔗
https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-fv94-qvg8-xqpw
disclosure@vulncheck.com
Vendor Advisory
🔗
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-arbitrary-file-write-via-symlink-followin...
disclosure@vulncheck.com
Third Party Advisory
📦 Affected Products / CPE 1 entries
openclaw:openclaw