CVE-2026-41294: OpenClaw before 2026.3.28 loads the current working directory .env file before trusted state-dir configuration

Routine

HIGH 8.6UPGRADE

CVE-2026-41294 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.6) affecting openclaw. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

OpenClaw before 2026.3.28 loads the current working directory .env file before trusted state-dir configuration, allowing environment variable injection. Attackers can place a malicious .env file in a repository or workspace to override runtime configuration and security-sensitive environment settings during OpenClaw startup.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.6 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 97%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-15
Published	2026-04-21
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: openclaw

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-04-21 00:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 10:46 UTCUpdated Record last modified

openclaw openclaw UPGRADE

Affected: < 2026.3.28

Fixed in: 2026.3.28

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls openclaw

2. UPGRADE to 2026.3.28

npm install openclaw@">=2026.3.28"

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-41294?

openclaw: upgrade to 2026.3.28. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-41294 being exploited?

CVE-2026-41294 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-41294 affect?

CVE-2026-41294 affects openclaw. Severity is high (CVSS 8.6). OpenClaw before 2026.3.28 loads the current working directory .env file before trusted state-dir configuration, allowing environment variable injection. Attackers can place a malicious .env file in a repository or workspace to override runt

How urgent is CVE-2026-41294?

Priority 31/100. High severity

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-53855 HIGH 8.1 UPGRADE OpenClaw before 2026.4.2 contains an inline-eval bypass vulnerability allowing authenticated operators to weak
CVE-2026-53857 HIGH 8.1 UPGRADE OpenClaw before 2026.5.3 contains a policy enforcement vulnerability where Zalo contacts with mutable display
CVE-2026-53851 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE OpenClaw before 2026.5.12 contains a notification bypass vulnerability allowing Slack reaction events to enter
CVE-2026-53846 HIGH 7.1 UPGRADE OpenClaw before 2026.4.29 contains a path traversal vulnerability in the install helper that allows workspace
CVE-2026-59261 HIGH 7.1 UPGRADE OpenClaw before 2026.5.28 contains a credential exposure vulnerability where workspace dotenv files can overri

References

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