Description
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.15 contain an option injection vulnerability in the git-hooks/pre-commit hook that allows attackers to stage ignored files by creating maliciously-named files beginning with dashes. The hook fails to use a -- separator when piping filenames through xargs to git add, enabling attackers to inject git flags and add sensitive ignored files like .env to git history.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2026-9929
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
Vulnerability Description:
The vulnerability in OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.15 involves an option injection flaw in the git-hooks/pre-commit hook. This flaw allows attackers to stage ignored files by creating maliciously-named files beginning with dashes. The hook fails to use a -- separator when piping filenames through xargs to git add, enabling attackers to inject git flags and add sensitive ignored files like .env to git history.
Severity Evaluation:
The Base Score of 9.3 (CVSS:4.0) indicates a critical vulnerability. The vector string CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N highlights the following:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability can be exploited over the network.
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack requires minimal skill or resources.
- Privileges Required (PR): None (N) - No special privileges are needed to exploit the vulnerability.
- User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required.
- Confidentiality (VC): High (H) - The vulnerability significantly impacts confidentiality.
- Integrity (VI): High (H) - The vulnerability significantly impacts integrity.
- Availability (VA): High (H) - The vulnerability significantly impacts availability.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Network-Based Attacks: An attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely by injecting malicious filenames into the repository.
- Supply Chain Attacks: An attacker could compromise the integrity of the software supply chain by injecting malicious files into the git history.
Exploitation Methods:
- File Injection: By creating files with names that start with dashes (e.g.,
--force), an attacker can manipulate thegit addcommand to include ignored files. - Command Injection: The lack of a
--separator allows the injection of additional git commands, potentially leading to unauthorized actions.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Systems:
- Any system running OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.15.
- Systems that use OpenClaw as part of their CI/CD pipeline or development workflow.
Software Versions:
- OpenClaw versions 0 < 2026.2.15.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Upgrade: Upgrade to OpenClaw version 2026.2.15 or later.
- Patch: Apply the patches provided in the referenced commits:
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Code Review: Conduct thorough code reviews to identify and fix similar vulnerabilities.
- Security Training: Educate developers on secure coding practices, especially regarding command injection and option injection.
- Automated Scanning: Implement automated security scanning tools to detect and alert on similar vulnerabilities.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
Regulatory Compliance:
- Organizations must ensure compliance with GDPR and other relevant regulations by addressing this vulnerability promptly.
- Failure to mitigate could result in data breaches, leading to regulatory fines and legal actions.
Industry Impact:
- Software Development: Affects the integrity of software development pipelines, potentially leading to compromised software releases.
- Supply Chain Security: Highlights the importance of securing the software supply chain, especially in open-source projects.
Economic Impact:
- Potential financial losses due to data breaches, legal fees, and remediation costs.
- Reputational damage for organizations that fail to address the vulnerability.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- The
git-hooks/pre-commithook in OpenClaw fails to use a--separator when piping filenames throughxargstogit add. - This allows attackers to inject git flags by creating files with names starting with dashes, leading to the inclusion of ignored files in the git history.
Exploitation Example:
# Malicious file creation
touch -- --force
# Pre-commit hook execution
git add .
Mitigation Code Example:
# Corrected pre-commit hook
git add -- .
References:
Conclusion: This vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and thorough code reviews. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to the patched version of OpenClaw and implement robust security measures to prevent similar issues in the future.