CVE-2026-53842: OpenClaw before 2026.5.2 contains an environment variable injection vulnerability allowing workspace .env file

Routine

HIGH 7.1UPGRADE

CVE-2026-53842 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.1) affecting openclaw. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

OpenClaw before 2026.5.2 contains an environment variable injection vulnerability allowing workspace .env files to influence Python runtime selection through CLOUDSDK_PYTHON during Gmail setup gcloud execution. Attackers with repository access can manipulate the CLOUDSDK_PYTHON variable to execute setup through unintended local Python paths, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.1 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 97%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-426
Published	2026-06-16
Last modified	2026-06-18

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: openclaw

Last updated 2026-06-18 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-06-16 19:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-18 04:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

openclaw openclaw UPGRADE

Affected: < 2026.5.2 · 2026.5.2 beta1 · 2026.5.2 beta2 · 2026.5.2 beta3

Fixed in: 2026.5.2

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls openclaw

2. UPGRADE to 2026.5.2

npm install openclaw@">=2026.5.2"

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-2026-53842?

openclaw: upgrade to 2026.5.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-53842 being exploited?

CVE-2026-53842 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-2026-53842 affect?

CVE-2026-53842 affects openclaw. Severity is high (CVSS 7.1). OpenClaw before 2026.5.2 contains an environment variable injection vulnerability allowing workspace .env files to influence Python runtime selection through CLOUDSDK_PYTHON during Gmail setup gcloud execution. Attackers with repository acc

How urgent is CVE-2026-53842?

Priority 26/100. High severity

Software pages

Python vulnerabilities · Google Workspace vulnerabilities

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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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