CVE-2026-53816: OpenClaw before 2026.5.18 contains an insufficient provenance validation vulnerability in node event handling

Routine

HIGH 7.2UPGRADE

CVE-2026-53816 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting openclaw. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

OpenClaw before 2026.5.18 contains an insufficient provenance validation vulnerability in node event handling that allows paired nodes to forge exec lifecycle events without system.run authorization. A malicious or compromised paired node can send crafted node.event messages to the gateway, steering target sessions into exec-event paths that expose capabilities the reduced node surface should not provide.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	High
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 72%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-862
Published	2026-06-11
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

2026-06-11 21:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 10:58 UTCUpdated Record last modified

openclaw openclaw UPGRADE

Affected: < 2026.5.18

Fixed in: 2026.5.18

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls openclaw

2. UPGRADE to 2026.5.18

npm install openclaw@">=2026.5.18"

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-2026-53816?

openclaw: upgrade to 2026.5.18. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-53816 being exploited?

CVE-2026-53816 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-2026-53816 affect?

CVE-2026-53816 affects openclaw. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). OpenClaw before 2026.5.18 contains an insufficient provenance validation vulnerability in node event handling that allows paired nodes to forge exec lifecycle events without system.run authorization. A malicious or compromised paired node c

How urgent is CVE-2026-53816?

Priority 32/100. High severity

Related CVEs

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CVE-2026-53851 MEDIUM 5.3 UPGRADE OpenClaw before 2026.5.12 contains a notification bypass vulnerability allowing Slack reaction events to enter
CVE-2026-53846 HIGH 7.1 UPGRADE OpenClaw before 2026.4.29 contains a path traversal vulnerability in the install helper that allows workspace
CVE-2026-59261 HIGH 7.1 UPGRADE OpenClaw before 2026.5.28 contains a credential exposure vulnerability where workspace dotenv files can overri

References

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