OpenClaw before 2026.3.31 contains an environment variable override vulnerability in host exec policy that fails to properly enforce proxy, TLS, Docker, and Git TLS controls. This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass security controls by overriding environment variables to circumvent proxy settings, TLS verification, Docker restrictions, and Git TLS enforcement. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 2, classifying it as low severity.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive data, albeit at a low impact level. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is essential for organizations utilizing OpenClaw to prioritize remediation efforts to mitigate risks.
Currently, there are no known exploits available for this vulnerability, and it has not been included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating that it is not actively exploited in the wild. However, organizations should not dismiss the low severity rating, as low-severity vulnerabilities can still lead to significant risks if left unaddressed.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to prevent potential exploitation.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states that OpenClaw before 2026.3.31 has an environment variable override vulnerability in the host exec policy. The vulnerability primarily pertains to not enforcing proxy, TLS, Docker, and Git TLS controls.
The CVSS score is 2, indicating low severity, with an attack vector of local, low attack complexity, and low privileges required. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity, but has no impact on availability.
The affected product is OpenClaw, specifically versions prior to 2026.3.31. The published date of this vulnerability is April 21, 2026.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper enforcement of security controls related to environment variables in the host exec policy. Attackers can exploit this weakness by modifying environment variables, leading to circumvention of important security measures such as proxy settings and TLS verifications.
The attack vector is local, indicating that an attacker must have local access to the system. The attack complexity is low, requiring minimal effort to exploit the vulnerability. Privileges required are low, meaning that an attacker does not need extensive permissions to exploit the vulnerability. User interaction is not required, making it a straightforward attack.
The confidentiality impact is low, as sensitive data could potentially be exposed, while the integrity impact is also low, indicating that data could be modified without detection. The availability impact is none, meaning that the system remains operational.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The primary risk associated with this vulnerability is the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data and system configurations. Although classified as low severity, the ability to override security controls can lead to significant operational vulnerabilities. Organizations utilizing OpenClaw should be particularly cautious, especially if they manage sensitive data or critical infrastructure.
The blast radius of this vulnerability is limited to systems running vulnerable versions of OpenClaw. However, its exploitation could lead to further attacks if attackers gain access to sensitive data or systems. Organizations should assess their specific environment and the potential impact of this vulnerability on their operations.
Given the low CVSS score and the absence of known exploits, organizations may initially deprioritize this vulnerability. However, the low EPS score indicates a low likelihood of exploitation, and organizations should still address it in their routine maintenance.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of OpenClaw prior to 2026.3.31 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they are using the latest version to mitigate risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching OpenClaw to version 2026.3.31 or later to remediate this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not possible, organizations should implement configuration hardening measures to restrict environment variable modifications and enhance security controls.
Monitoring for unauthorized changes to environment variables and reviewing logs for anomalies can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations are encouraged to engage in penetration testing to validate the effectiveness of implemented security controls.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unauthorized changes to environment variables or security controls. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected changes in execution policies, should be flagged for further investigation. Additionally, network signatures indicating attempts to override proxy settings could signal exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of this vulnerability lies in the potential for attackers to exploit weak configurations and bypass security controls. Organizations must remain vigilant and continuously assess their security posture to mitigate the risk from similar vulnerabilities in the future.
The presence of environment variable overrides in security policies highlights a common trend in vulnerabilities where misconfigurations can lead to serious security issues. Security teams should reinforce their policies to ensure that all security measures are effectively enforced.
For further insights on enhancing security measures, organizations can refer to the following resources: penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design to develop a comprehensive approach to vulnerability management.
In conclusion, while CVE-2026-41330 is currently rated low in severity, proactive measures must be taken to address it and prevent potential future vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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