CVE-2026-44996: OpenClaw before 2026.4.15 contains an arbitrary local file read vulnerability in the webchat audio embedding h

Routine

LOW 3.7REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-44996 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.7) affecting openclaw. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

OpenClaw before 2026.4.15 contains an arbitrary local file read vulnerability in the webchat audio embedding helper that fails to apply local media root containment checks. Attackers can influence agent or tool-produced ReplyPayload.mediaUrl parameters to resolve absolute local paths or file URLs, read audio-like files, and embed them base64-encoded into webchat responses.

Why this priority

Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.7 (Low)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 77%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-22
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: < 2026.4.15

Fixed in: 2026.4.15

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls openclaw

2. UPGRADE to 2026.4.15

npm install openclaw@">=2026.4.15"

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-2026-44996?

openclaw: upgrade to 2026.4.15. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-44996 being exploited?

CVE-2026-44996 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-2026-44996 affect?

CVE-2026-44996 affects openclaw. Severity is low (CVSS 3.7). OpenClaw before 2026.4.15 contains an arbitrary local file read vulnerability in the webchat audio embedding helper that fails to apply local media root containment checks. Attackers can influence agent or tool-produced ReplyPayload.mediaUr

How urgent is CVE-2026-44996?

Priority 24/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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