CVE-2026-42427: OpenClaw before 2026.4.8 contains a remote code execution vulnerability caused by missing environment variable

Routine

MEDIUM 5.3UPGRADE

CVE-2026-42427 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting openclaw. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

OpenClaw before 2026.4.8 contains a remote code execution vulnerability caused by missing environment variable denylist entries for HGRCPATH, CARGO_BUILD_RUSTC_WRAPPER, RUSTC_WRAPPER, and MAKEFLAGS. Attackers can inject malicious build tool environment variables to influence host exec commands and achieve arbitrary code execution.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 92%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-184
Published	2026-04-28
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

2026-04-28 19:37 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 10:47 UTCUpdated Record last modified

openclaw openclaw UPGRADE

Affected: < 2026.4.8

Fixed in: 2026.4.8

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls openclaw

2. UPGRADE to 2026.4.8

npm install openclaw@">=2026.4.8"

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-2026-42427?

openclaw: upgrade to 2026.4.8. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-42427 being exploited?

CVE-2026-42427 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-2026-42427 affect?

CVE-2026-42427 affects openclaw. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). OpenClaw before 2026.4.8 contains a remote code execution vulnerability caused by missing environment variable denylist entries for HGRCPATH, CARGO_BUILD_RUSTC_WRAPPER, RUSTC_WRAPPER, and MAKEFLAGS. Attackers can inject malicious build tool

How urgent is CVE-2026-42427?

Priority 21/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

Software pages

Rust vulnerabilities

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References

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