Openclaw cli: OpenClaw: Workspace dotenv could override runtime-control environment variables (CVE-2026-44114)
Description
OpenClaw CLI versions before 2026.4.20 have a vulnerability where workspace .env files can override runtime-control environment variables prefixed with OPENCLAW_. This allows a malicious workspace to influence trusted OpenClaw runtime behavior by setting variables like OPENCLAW_GIT_DIR. The issue requires running OpenClaw from an attacker-controlled workspace. The vulnerability is rated with a CVSS score of 7.8 (high severity) and has been fixed in version 2026.4.20 by reserving the OPENCLAW_ namespace and rejecting conflicting dotenv entries.
CVSS v3.1
Score 7.8high
Affected software
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AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
OpenClaw CLI versions prior to 2026.4.20 improperly allowed workspace .env files to override environment variables in the OPENCLAW_ namespace used for runtime control. This could enable a malicious workspace to set variables such as OPENCLAW_GIT_DIR before source-update or installer flows, potentially altering trusted runtime behavior. The vulnerability requires local execution in an attacker-controlled workspace. The fix implemented in version 2026.4.20 reserves the OPENCLAW_ namespace and rejects workspace dotenv entries that attempt to set these variables.
Potential Impact
A malicious workspace can influence OpenClaw runtime behavior by setting environment variables in the OPENCLAW_ namespace, potentially leading to unauthorized control over source-update or installer flows. This could compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the OpenClaw runtime environment. Exploitation requires running OpenClaw from an attacker-controlled workspace, limiting the attack vector to local or trusted environment compromise.
Mitigation Recommendations
A patch is available and has been released in OpenClaw version 2026.4.20. Users should upgrade to this version or later to ensure the OPENCLAW_ environment namespace is properly reserved and workspace dotenv entries for these variables are rejected. Applying this official fix fully mitigates the vulnerability.
Technical Details
- Gcve Source
- db.gcve.eu
- Osv Id
- BREW-openclaw-cli-CVE-2026-44114
- Osv Schema Version
- 1.7.3
- Ecosystems
- ["Homebrew"]
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
Threat ID: 6ac2459212601ec6a3164963
Added to database: 10/04/2026, 12:24:50 UTC
Last enriched: 10/04/2026, 12:40:08 UTC
Last updated: 10/04/2026, 16:08:38 UTC
Views: 2
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