CVE-2026-53836: OpenClaw before 2026.5.12 contains an allowlist bypass vulnerability in PowerShell encoded-command handling th

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HIGH 8.8UPGRADE

CVE-2026-53836 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting openclaw. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

OpenClaw before 2026.5.12 contains an allowlist bypass vulnerability in PowerShell encoded-command handling that allows attackers to execute encoded commands using abbreviated flag aliases not recognized by the allowlist parser. Remote authenticated operators can bypass execution allowlist checks by using unrecognized encoded-command alias forms to execute arbitrary PowerShell content.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.5% (top 61%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-184
Published	2026-06-12
Last modified	2026-07-23

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: openclaw

Last updated 2026-07-23 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-06-12 22:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-23 09:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

openclaw openclaw UPGRADE

Affected: < 2026.5.12

Fixed in: 2026.5.12

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls openclaw

2. UPGRADE to 2026.5.12

npm install openclaw@">=2026.5.12"

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-2026-53836?

openclaw: upgrade to 2026.5.12. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-53836 being exploited?

CVE-2026-53836 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-2026-53836 affect?

CVE-2026-53836 affects openclaw. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). OpenClaw before 2026.5.12 contains an allowlist bypass vulnerability in PowerShell encoded-command handling that allows attackers to execute encoded commands using abbreviated flag aliases not recognized by the allowlist parser. Remote auth

How urgent is CVE-2026-53836?

Priority 41/100. High severity

Software pages

PowerShell vulnerabilities

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References

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