CVE-2026-53853: OpenClaw before 2026.5.12 contains an argument pattern validation bypass in the exec allowlist that allows att

Routine

HIGH 8.3UPGRADE

CVE-2026-53853 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.3) 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 argument pattern validation bypass in the exec allowlist that allows attackers to execute disallowed arguments for allowlisted executables on Linux and macOS systems. Attackers can bypass configured argPattern restrictions by directly invoking allowlisted executables with unrestricted arguments, potentially enabling unauthorized file access, network access, or command execution.

Why this priority

High severity

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.3 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.3% (top 72%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-693, CWE-863
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: < 2026.5.12 · 2026.5.12 beta1 · 2026.5.12 beta2 · 2026.5.12 beta3 · 2026.5.12 beta4 · 2026.5.12 beta5 · 2026.5.12 beta6 · 2026.5.12 beta7

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-2026-53853?

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

Is CVE-2026-53853 being exploited?

CVE-2026-53853 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-2026-53853 affect?

CVE-2026-53853 affects openclaw. Severity is high (CVSS 8.3). OpenClaw before 2026.5.12 contains an argument pattern validation bypass in the exec allowlist that allows attackers to execute disallowed arguments for allowlisted executables on Linux and macOS systems. Attackers can bypass configured arg

How urgent is CVE-2026-53853?

Priority 36/100. High severity

Software pages

macOS vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

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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
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References

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