OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.21 fail to filter dangerous process-control environment variables from config env.vars, allowing startup-time code execution. Attackers can inject variables like NODE_OPTIONS or LD_* through configuration to execute arbitrary code in the OpenClaw gateway service runtime context.
Attack Parameters
Attack Vector
Local
Requires local access
Attack Complexity
Low
Easy to exploit
Attack Requirements
None
No additional conditions
Privileges Required
Low
Basic privileges needed
User Interaction
None
No user interaction needed
Impact Assessment
Confidentiality
None
No data leak
Integrity
High
Complete data modification
Availability
Low
Partial disruption
CVSS Vector v4.0
Weakness Type (CWE)
Vulnerable Products 1
| Configuration | From (including) | Up to (excluding) |
|---|---|---|
|
Openclaw Openclaw
cpe:2.3:a:openclaw:openclaw:*:*:*:*:*:node.js:*:*
|
— |
2026.2.21
|
References 3
https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/2cdbadee1f8fcaa93302d7debbfc529e198…
disclosure@vulncheck.com
https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-8fmp-37rc-p5g7
disclosure@vulncheck.com
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-environment-variable-injection-vi…
disclosure@vulncheck.com