CVE-2026-44114: OpenClaw before 2026.4.20 fails to properly reserve the OPENCLAW_ runtime-control environment namespace in wor

Routine

HIGH 7.8UPGRADE

CVE-2026-44114 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.8) affecting openclaw. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

OpenClaw before 2026.4.20 fails to properly reserve the OPENCLAW_ runtime-control environment namespace in workspace dotenv files, allowing attackers to override critical runtime variables. Malicious workspaces can set variables like OPENCLAW_GIT_DIR to manipulate trusted OpenClaw runtime behavior during source-update or installer flows.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.8 (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-184
Published	2026-05-06
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

2026-05-06 20:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 10:50 UTCUpdated Record last modified

openclaw openclaw UPGRADE

Affected: < 2026.4.20

Fixed in: 2026.4.20

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls openclaw

2. UPGRADE to 2026.4.20

npm install openclaw@">=2026.4.20"

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-2026-44114?

openclaw: upgrade to 2026.4.20. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-44114 being exploited?

CVE-2026-44114 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-2026-44114 affect?

CVE-2026-44114 affects openclaw. Severity is high (CVSS 7.8). OpenClaw before 2026.4.20 fails to properly reserve the OPENCLAW_ runtime-control environment namespace in workspace dotenv files, allowing attackers to override critical runtime variables. Malicious workspaces can set variables like OPENCL

How urgent is CVE-2026-44114?

Priority 28/100. High severity

Software pages

Git vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

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CVE-2026-53846 HIGH 7.1 UPGRADE OpenClaw before 2026.4.29 contains a path traversal vulnerability in the install helper that allows workspace
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References

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