---
id: CVE-2026-53846
title: >-
  OpenClaw: Workspace .env npm_execpath could influence bundled runtime
  dependency install
summary: >-
  OpenClaw: Workspace .env npm_execpath could influence bundled runtime
  dependency install
severity: high
cvss: 7.1
cwe:
  - CWE-426
vendor: openclaw
product: openclaw
affected:
  - openclaw < 2026.4.29
patched:
  - openclaw 2026.4.29
published: '2026-06-18'
updated: '2026-06-18'
source: GHSA
sourceUrl: 'https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-24vr-rprv-67rf'
references:
  - url: >-
      https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-24vr-rprv-67rf
  - url: 'https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-53846'
  - url: >-
      https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-arbitrary-package-manager-execution-via-workspace-env-npm-execpath
  - url: 'https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-24vr-rprv-67rf'
tags:
  - ghsa
  - npm
epss: 0.00171
epssPercentile: 0.05724
ingestedAt: '2026-06-19T03:39:00.774Z'
ecosystem: npm
---

## Overview

### Summary

Workspace .env npm_execpath could influence bundled runtime dependency install. In affected versions, a workspace `.env` in a repository opened by a trusted operator could override the package-manager executable path used by the install helper.

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 an unintended local package-manager executable during dependency setup. 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 `2026.4.29`.

### Mitigations

install bundled runtime dependencies from trusted workspaces 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 < 2026.4.29`

## Remediation

Upgrade to a patched release:

- `openclaw 2026.4.29`