CVE-2026-53842 OpenClaw < 2026.5.2 - Arbitrary Python Runtime Execution via CLOUDSDK_PYTHON Environment Variable

What is CVE-2026-53842?

CVE-2026-53842 is a high-severity command injection vulnerability in Openclaw Openclaw, published on 16 Jun 2026. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.

Official description

OpenClaw before 2026.5.2 contains an environment variable injection vulnerability allowing workspace .env files to influence Python runtime selection through CLOUDSDK_PYTHON during Gmail setup gcloud execution. Attackers with repository access can manipulate the CLOUDSDK_PYTHON variable to execute setup through unintended local Python paths, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution.

Weakness: CWE-426

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-53842?

2 open source packages ship an affected version, including openclaw. It affects 1 product.

Products include Openclaw Openclaw.

How do I fix CVE-2026-53842?

Upgrade openclaw to 2026.5.2 or later.

Upgrade, and pass arguments to programs as a list instead of through a shell. More about Command injection.

Is CVE-2026-53842 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-53842 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Other vulnerabilities in Openclaw Openclaw

• CVE-2026-28363 Security feature bypass in OpenClaw Critical 9.9
• CVE-2026-30741 Code injection in n/a Critical 9.8
• CVE-2026-33579 OpenClaw < 2026.3.28 - Privilege Escalation via Missing Caller Scope Validation in Device Pair Approval Critical 9.4
• CVE-2026-32922 OpenClaw < 2026.3.11 - Privilege Escalation via Unvalidated Scope in device.token.rotate Critical 9.4
• CVE-2026-32978 OpenClaw < 2026.3.11 - Approval Bypass via Unrecognized Script Runners Critical 9.4

All Openclaw Openclaw vulnerabilities

Sources

• CVE record
• NVD
• OSV
• GitHub advisory
• How this page is made

Also known as GHSA-fq9j-vw4w-fr6v, MINI-rjhh-5r22-mrh8.