GHSA-8wg3-5mcm-fjq8: OpenClaw: Workspace .env could override Homebrew executable selection for skill install flows
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.5.27 contain a vulnerability where a workspace .env file can override the Homebrew executable selection during skill install flows. This could cause an unintended Homebrew-compatible executable to run when the affected feature is enabled and reachable. The vulnerability relies on a trusted operator opening a repository with a crafted .env file. The impact depends on the operator's configuration and whether lower-trust input can reach this execution path. The vulnerability is addressed in version 2026.5.27. Until patched, it is recommended to avoid running skill install flows from untrusted workspaces and to apply general hardening such as restricting channel and tool allowlists and disabling the affected feature when not needed.
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
The vulnerability (CVE-2026-53819) in OpenClaw allows a workspace .env file to override the Homebrew executable used by the install helper during skill install flows. This occurs when a trusted operator opens a repository containing a crafted .env file, potentially causing an unintended Homebrew-compatible executable to run. The issue is scoped to the named feature and configuration and does not affect OpenClaw's trusted-operator model beyond this. The first stable patched version is 2026.5.27.
Potential Impact
If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to execution of an unintended Homebrew-compatible executable during skill setup flows, which may result in unauthorized code execution depending on the operator's environment and configuration. The practical impact depends on whether lower-trust input can influence the execution path. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in OpenClaw version 2026.5.27. Until systems are updated, avoid running skill install flows from untrusted workspaces. Additionally, narrow channel and tool allowlists, avoid sharing a Gateway between mutually untrusted users, and disable the affected feature when it is not needed.
GHSA-8wg3-5mcm-fjq8: OpenClaw: Workspace .env could override Homebrew executable selection for skill install flows
Description
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.5.27 contain a vulnerability where a workspace .env file can override the Homebrew executable selection during skill install flows. This could cause an unintended Homebrew-compatible executable to run when the affected feature is enabled and reachable. The vulnerability relies on a trusted operator opening a repository with a crafted .env file. The impact depends on the operator's configuration and whether lower-trust input can reach this execution path. The vulnerability is addressed in version 2026.5.27. Until patched, it is recommended to avoid running skill install flows from untrusted workspaces and to apply general hardening such as restricting channel and tool allowlists and disabling the affected feature when not needed.
CVSS v4.0
Affected software
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Weaknesses
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability (CVE-2026-53819) in OpenClaw allows a workspace .env file to override the Homebrew executable used by the install helper during skill install flows. This occurs when a trusted operator opens a repository containing a crafted .env file, potentially causing an unintended Homebrew-compatible executable to run. The issue is scoped to the named feature and configuration and does not affect OpenClaw's trusted-operator model beyond this. The first stable patched version is 2026.5.27.
Potential Impact
If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to execution of an unintended Homebrew-compatible executable during skill setup flows, which may result in unauthorized code execution depending on the operator's environment and configuration. The practical impact depends on whether lower-trust input can influence the execution path. No known exploits in the wild have been reported.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in OpenClaw version 2026.5.27. Until systems are updated, avoid running skill install flows from untrusted workspaces. Additionally, narrow channel and tool allowlists, avoid sharing a Gateway between mutually untrusted users, and disable the affected feature when it is not needed.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- GHSA-8wg3-5mcm-fjq8
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.4.0
- Aliases
- ["CVE-2026-53819"]
- Ecosystems
- ["npm"]
- Database Specific Severity
- HIGH
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
Threat ID: 6a46ecc927e9c7971943edc2
Added to database: 07/02/2026, 22:57:13 UTC
Last enriched: 07/02/2026, 23:19:55 UTC
Last updated: 07/02/2026, 23:19:55 UTC
Views: 2
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