---
id: CVE-2026-53842
title: >-
  OpenClaw: Workspace .env CLOUDSDK_PYTHON could influence Gmail setup gcloud
  execution
summary: >-
  OpenClaw: Workspace .env CLOUDSDK_PYTHON could influence Gmail setup gcloud
  execution
severity: high
cvss: 7.1
cwe:
  - CWE-426
vendor: openclaw
product: openclaw
ecosystem: npm
affected:
  - openclaw < 2026.5.2
patched:
  - openclaw 2026.5.2
published: '2026-06-18'
updated: '2026-06-18'
source: GHSA
sourceUrl: 'https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-fq9j-vw4w-fr6v'
references:
  - url: >-
      https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-fq9j-vw4w-fr6v
  - url: 'https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-53842'
  - url: >-
      https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-arbitrary-python-runtime-execution-via-cloudsdk-python-environment-variable
  - url: 'https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-fq9j-vw4w-fr6v'
tags:
  - ghsa
  - npm
epss: 0.00197
epssPercentile: 0.08456
ingestedAt: '2026-06-29T14:31:47.019Z'
---

## Overview

### Summary

Workspace .env CLOUDSDK_PYTHON could influence Gmail setup gcloud execution. In affected versions, a workspace `.env` in a repository opened by a trusted operator could influence which Python runtime `gcloud` used through `CLOUDSDK_PYTHON`.

This advisory is scoped to the named feature and configuration. It does not change OpenClaw's trusted-operator model: authenticated Gateway operators, installed plugins, and intentional local execution surfaces remain trusted unless a separate policy, approval, allowlist, sandbox, or auth boundary is crossed.

### Impact

When the affected feature is enabled and reachable, this could run setup through an unintended local Python path. Practical impact depends on the operator's configuration and whether lower-trust input can reach that path.

### Patched Versions

The first stable patched version is `2026.5.2`.

### Mitigations

run Gmail setup from trusted workspaces and clear workspace env overrides until patched. As general hardening, keep channel and tool allowlists narrow, avoid sharing one Gateway between mutually untrusted users, and disable the affected feature when it is not needed.

## Affected packages

- `openclaw < 2026.5.2`

## Remediation

Upgrade to a patched release:

- `openclaw 2026.5.2`