CVE-2026-44997: OpenClaw before 2026.4.22 contains a security envelope constraint bypass vulnerability allowing restricted sub

Routine

MEDIUM 4.3UPGRADE

CVE-2026-44997 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.3) affecting openclaw. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

OpenClaw before 2026.4.22 contains a security envelope constraint bypass vulnerability allowing restricted subagents to spawn ACP child sessions that fail to inherit depth, child-count limits, control scope, or target-agent restrictions. Attackers can exploit this by spawning child sessions that bypass subagent-only constraints, potentially escalating privileges or accessing restricted resources.

Why this priority

No elevated risk signals yet

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	4.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 87%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-266
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: < 2026.4.22

Fixed in: 2026.4.22

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls openclaw

2. UPGRADE to 2026.4.22

npm install openclaw@">=2026.4.22"

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-2026-44997?

openclaw: upgrade to 2026.4.22. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-44997 being exploited?

CVE-2026-44997 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-2026-44997 affect?

CVE-2026-44997 affects openclaw. Severity is medium (CVSS 4.3). OpenClaw before 2026.4.22 contains a security envelope constraint bypass vulnerability allowing restricted subagents to spawn ACP child sessions that fail to inherit depth, child-count limits, control scope, or target-agent restrictions. At

How urgent is CVE-2026-44997?

Priority 18/100. No elevated risk signals yet.

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References

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