OpenClaw Vulnerability: Environment Namespace Override Poses Supply Chain Risk
The National Vulnerability Database has disclosed CVE-2026-44114, a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.8) affecting OpenClaw before version 2026.4.20. This flaw stems from OpenClaw’s failure to properly reserve the OPENCLAW_ runtime-control environment namespace within workspace dotenv files. This oversight creates a critical attack vector.
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious workspaces that inject and override critical runtime variables. Specifically, the National Vulnerability Database highlights the manipulation of variables like OPENCLAW_GIT_DIR. This allows an attacker to subvert trusted OpenClaw runtime behavior during critical operations such as source-update or installer flows, essentially hijacking the execution path.
For defenders, this is a significant supply chain concern. If OpenClaw is used in your development or deployment pipelines, an attacker could introduce malicious code or alter build processes by tampering with environment variables. This bypasses typical integrity checks and could lead to widespread compromise of downstream systems or applications.
What This Means For You
- If your organization utilizes OpenClaw, immediately assess your version and patch to 2026.4.20 or later. Audit all OpenClaw workspaces for suspicious `dotenv` configurations, especially those originating from external or untrusted sources. This vulnerability allows for critical runtime variable manipulation, which can lead to code execution or supply chain poisoning during update and installation processes.
Related ATT&CK Techniques
🛡️ Detection Rules
3 rules · 6 SIEM formats3 detection rules auto-generated for this incident, mapped to MITRE ATT&CK. Sigma YAML is free — export to any SIEM format via the Intel Bot.
CVE-2026-44114 - OpenClaw Environment Namespace Override
title: CVE-2026-44114 - OpenClaw Environment Namespace Override
id: scw-2026-05-06-ai-1
status: experimental
level: high
description: |
Detects the use of the OPENCLAW_GIT_DIR environment variable within the OpenClaw process command line. This is specific to CVE-2026-44114, where attackers can override critical runtime variables like OPENCLAW_GIT_DIR in workspace dotenv files to manipulate trusted OpenClaw runtime behavior, posing a supply chain risk during source-update or installer flows.
author: SCW Feed Engine (AI-generated)
date: 2026-05-06
references:
- https://shimiscyberworld.com/posts/nvd-CVE-2026-44114/
tags:
- attack.execution
- attack.t1574.002
logsource:
category: process_creation
detection:
selection:
Image|contains:
- 'openclaw'
CommandLine|contains:
- 'OPENCLAW_GIT_DIR'
condition: selection
falsepositives:
- Legitimate administrative activity
Source: Shimi's Cyber World · License & reuse
Indicators of Compromise
| ID | Type | Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| CVE-2026-44114 | Misconfiguration | OpenClaw software |
| CVE-2026-44114 | Misconfiguration | OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.4.20 |
| CVE-2026-44114 | Misconfiguration | Improper reservation of OPENCLAW_ runtime-control environment namespace in workspace dotenv files |
| CVE-2026-44114 | Misconfiguration | Manipulation of OPENCLAW_GIT_DIR variable |
Written by SCW Vulnerability Desk
Source & Attribution
| Source Platform | NVD |
| Channel | National Vulnerability Database |
| Published | May 06, 2026 at 23:16 UTC |
This content was AI-rewritten and enriched by Shimi's Cyber World based on the original source. All intellectual property rights remain with the original author.
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