OpenClaw: Workspace dotenv could override runtime-control environment variables
Affected Packages / Versions
- Package:
openclaw(npm) - Affected versions:
< 2026.4.20 - Patched version:
2026.4.20
Impact
Workspace .env loading did not reserve the OPENCLAW_ runtime-control namespace broadly enough. A malicious workspace could set variables such as OPENCLAW_GIT_DIR before source-update or installer flows, potentially steering trusted OpenClaw runtime behavior.
This requires running OpenClaw from an attacker-controlled workspace. Severity is medium.
Fix
OpenClaw now reserves the workspace OPENCLAW_ environment namespace and rejects workspace dotenv entries for OpenClaw runtime-control variables.
Fix commit:
018494fa3ebb9145112e68b56fe1cb2e9f9a9ed6
Release
Fixed in OpenClaw 2026.4.20.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | openclaw | < 2026.4.20 | 2026.4.20 |
References
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-hxvm-xjvf-93f3
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-44114
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/018494fa3ebb9145112e68b56fe1cb2e9f9a9ed6
- https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-environment-variable-namespace-collision-via-workspace-dotenv
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-184- Platform
- npm
- Package
openclaw- Disclosed
- 25.04.2026
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-hxvm-xjvf-93f3 - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: openclaw
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 588
- First → latest
- 02.2026 07.2026
- Without a fix
- 9
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- Critical 20
- High 215
- Medium 299
- Low 54
Disclosures per year
- 2026: 588
-
OpenClaw: Workspace dotenv could override runtime-control environment variables this entry
Know which vulnerabilities affect your application
With the DockRay integration and software inventory enabled, DockRay checks reported component versions against known vulnerabilities and notifies you about confirmed matches. Coverage depends on the supported technology and available advisory data.