CVE-2026-44995: OpenClaw before 2026.4.20 contains an improper environment variable validation vulnerability in MCP stdio serv

Routine

HIGH 7.3UPGRADE

CVE-2026-44995 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.3) affecting openclaw. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

OpenClaw before 2026.4.20 contains an improper environment variable validation vulnerability in MCP stdio server configuration that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code. Malicious workspace configurations can pass dangerous startup variables like NODE_OPTIONS, LD_PRELOAD, or BASH_ENV to spawned MCP server processes, enabling code injection when operators start sessions using those servers.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.3 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 97%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-829
Published	2026-05-11
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

2026-05-11 18:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 10:51 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-2026-44995?

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

Is CVE-2026-44995 being exploited?

CVE-2026-44995 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-2026-44995 affect?

CVE-2026-44995 affects openclaw. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). OpenClaw before 2026.4.20 contains an improper environment variable validation vulnerability in MCP stdio server configuration that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code. Malicious workspace configurations can pass dangerous startup va

How urgent is CVE-2026-44995?

Priority 26/100. High severity

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References

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