openclaw - 💡(How to fix) Fix Feature: subcommand-level exec allowlisting [1 participants]

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openclaw/openclaw#59786Fetched 2026-04-08 02:40:32
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Fix Action

Fix / Workaround

Current Workaround

Shell wrapper scripts that call individual subcommands, then allowlisting those wrappers. Works but is clunky and requires maintaining a wrapper for every safe subcommand.

Code Example

openclaw:cron:list
openclaw:cron:run
openclaw:cron:edit
openclaw:status
RAW_BUFFERClick to expand / collapse

Problem

The exec allowlist operates at the binary level. You either allowlist the openclaw binary (all subcommands) or block it entirely. There is no way to allowlist "openclaw cron list" while requiring approval for "openclaw gateway restart" or "openclaw approvals allowlist add".

Current Workaround

Shell wrapper scripts that call individual subcommands, then allowlisting those wrappers. Works but is clunky and requires maintaining a wrapper for every safe subcommand.

Proposed Solution

Support subcommand-level patterns in the allowlist. For example:

openclaw:cron:list
openclaw:cron:run
openclaw:cron:edit
openclaw:status

Or glob patterns like "openclaw cron *" to allow all cron subcommands while blocking gateway restart, approvals changes, and config modifications.

Use Case

Agent security — allowing an AI agent to perform routine operations (check status, manage cron jobs) while requiring human approval for destructive or privilege-escalating commands (restart gateway, modify allowlists, change config).

extent analysis

TL;DR

Implementing subcommand-level patterns in the allowlist, such as "openclaw:cron:list" or glob patterns like "openclaw cron *", is likely to provide the necessary granularity for security management.

Guidance

  • Evaluate the proposed solution of supporting subcommand-level patterns in the allowlist to determine its feasibility and potential impact on the current system.
  • Consider the use of glob patterns to simplify the allowlisting process for related subcommands, such as "openclaw cron *" to allow all cron subcommands.
  • Assess the current workaround of using shell wrapper scripts and determine if it can be improved or replaced with a more efficient solution.
  • Develop a clear understanding of the required security rules and how they can be implemented using the proposed subcommand-level allowlisting.

Example

A potential allowlist configuration could include patterns like:

openclaw:cron:list
openclaw:cron:run
openclaw:cron:edit
openclaw:status

Or using glob patterns:

openclaw cron *
openclaw:status

Notes

The implementation of subcommand-level patterns may require significant changes to the existing allowlist system, and careful consideration should be given to potential security implications and edge cases.

Recommendation

Apply the proposed workaround of using subcommand-level patterns in the allowlist, as it provides a more fine-grained control over allowed commands and can help improve the overall security posture of the system. This approach allows for more precise control over which subcommands are allowed, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or actions.

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