CVE-2026-27524: Openclaw OpenClaw's Runtime /debug Override Path Vulnerability
LOWCVE-2026-27524 is a LOW openclaw's runtime /debug override path vulnerability (CWE-1321: Improperly Controlled Modification of Object Prototype Attributes ('Prototype Pollution')) affecting Openclaw libraries in the npm ecosystem. The issue involves openclaw's runtime /debug override path accepted prototype-reserved keys. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 2026.2.21.
CVE-2026-27524 at a Glance
How to Fix CVE-2026-27524
To remediate this vulnerability, upgrade all affected Openclaw dependencies to a patched release. Both direct and transitive dependencies should be checked, as frameworks or security libraries may pull in vulnerable versions transitively.
npm install openclaw@2026.2.21Run the following command in your project directory to verify that all resolved dependencies use the patched release:
npm ls openclawHow to Check if You Are Affected
To determine whether your Node.js application is affected by CVE-2026-27524, inspect your project dependencies using npm:
npm ls openclawAnalyze the terminal output to locate any version of Openclaw in your dependency tree. If any resolved version matches the vulnerable ranges listed in the table below (for example, versions earlier than 2026.2.21), your application is affected.
Note: The npm ls openclaw command inspects dependencies declared in your package.json and lockfile; it does not perform automated runtime dynamic scanning.
Technical Details
Vulnerability Mechanism & Technical Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-1321: Improperly Controlled Modification of Object Prototype Attributes ('Prototype Pollution'), where the product receives input from an upstream component that specifies attributes that are to be initialized or updated in an object, but it does not properly control modifications of attributes of the object prototype. In Openclaw, software state validation or input boundaries are circumvented during processing. Review the official source advisory statement below for specific affected components, classes, and reproduction details.
Source Advisory Statement
CVE-2026-27524 Affected Openclaw Versions
1 component(s)| Product / Package | Ecosystem | Affected Versions | Fixed Version |
|---|---|---|---|
|
openclaw
|
npm |
< 2026.2.21
|
2026.2.21
|
References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2026-27524?
Which Openclaw versions are affected?
What version fixes CVE-2026-27524?
Is openclaw affected?
What CWE is associated with CVE-2026-27524?
How can I check npm dependencies for CVE-2026-27524?
Machine-readable OSV JSON
OSV v1.5 Schema
{
"schema_version" : "1.4.0",
"id" : "GHSA-62f6-mrcj-v8h5",
"modified" : "2026-03-18T21:51:56Z",
"published" : "2026-03-03T22:12:20Z",
"aliases" : [ "CVE-2026-27524" ],
"summary" : "OpenClaw's runtime /debug override path accepted prototype-reserved keys",
"details" : "### Summary\nOpenClaw accepted prototype-reserved keys in runtime `/debug set` override object values (`__proto__`, `constructor`, `prototype`).\n\n### Impact\n`/debug` is disabled by default, and exploitation requires an already authorized `/debug set` caller. No unauthenticated vector was identified.\n\nThis issue affects runtime in-memory overrides only (non-persistent and cleared on restart/reset). Given the required prior authorization boundary, this is treated as defense-in-depth hardening for command flag evaluation.\n\n### Affected Packages / Versions\n- Package: `openclaw` (npm)\n- Latest published vulnerable version confirmed: `2026.2.19-2`\n- Vulnerable range: `<= 2026.2.19-2`\n- Patched in planned next release: `2026.2.21`\n\n### Technical Details\n- Runtime override merges now block reserved prototype keys during deep merge.\n- Runtime override writes now sanitize nested object values to remove reserved prototype keys before storing overrides.\n- Restricted command gates (`bash`, `config`, `debug`) now require own-property boolean flags, preventing inherited prototype values from enabling commands.\n\n### Fix Commit(s)\n- `fbb79d4013000552d6a2c23b9613d8b3cb92f6b6`\n\n### Release Process Note\n`patched_versions` is pre-set to `2026.2.21` so after the npm release is live, this advisory can be published immediately.\n\nOpenClaw thanks @tdjackey for reporting.",
"severity" : [ {
"type" : "CVSS_V4",
"score" : "CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N"
} ],
"affected" : [ {
"package" : {
"ecosystem" : "npm",
"name" : "openclaw"
},
"ranges" : [ {
"type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
"events" : [ {
"introduced" : "0"
}, {
"fixed" : "2026.2.21"
} ]
} ]
} ],
"references" : [ {
"type" : "WEB",
"url" : "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-62f6-mrcj-v8h5"
}, {
"type" : "ADVISORY",
"url" : "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-27524"
}, {
"type" : "WEB",
"url" : "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/fbb79d4013000552d6a2c23b9613d8b3cb92f6b6"
}, {
"type" : "PACKAGE",
"url" : "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw"
}, {
"type" : "WEB",
"url" : "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-prototype-pollution-via-debug-override-path"
} ],
"database_specific" : {
"cwe_ids" : [ "CWE-1321" ],
"severity" : "LOW",
"github_reviewed" : true,
"github_reviewed_at" : "2026-03-03T22:12:20Z",
"nvd_published_at" : "2026-03-18T02:16:23Z"
}
}