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high advisory

CVE-2026-59261 - OpenClaw Credential Exposure via Workspace Dotenv Files

A critical vulnerability, CVE-2026-59261, in OpenClaw before version 2026.5.28, allows attackers with lower-trust access to configured input paths to expose sensitive provider credentials by leveraging workspace dotenv files that override legitimate configurations, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data.

A significant credential exposure vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-59261, has been discovered in OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.5.28. This flaw allows malicious actors who have already gained lower-trust access to specific, configured input paths within an OpenClaw environment to exploit the system. The vulnerability stems from OpenClaw's design, where workspace dotenv files can inadvertently override provider credentials. By manipulating or introducing these .env files in designated input locations, attackers can expose sensitive data and credentials that are intended to remain within trusted security boundaries. This issue poses a substantial risk of unauthorized access to various integrated services and data managed by OpenClaw deployments, impacting the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.

Impact

The successful exploitation of CVE-2026-59261 can lead to the exposure of highly sensitive credentials and data. Attackers gaining lower-trust access to configured input paths could leverage this vulnerability to exfiltrate or misuse authentication tokens, API keys, database credentials, or other secrets stored within OpenClaw's operational environment. This could result in unauthorized access to connected systems, data breaches, or further lateral movement within an affected organization's infrastructure. While no specific victim count or targeted sectors are mentioned in the advisory, any organization utilizing vulnerable OpenClaw versions is at risk of significant data compromise and operational disruption.

Recommendation

  • Immediately patch all OpenClaw installations to version 2026.5.28 or later to address CVE-2026-59261.
  • Conduct a comprehensive audit of configured input paths within your OpenClaw environments to ensure only trusted users and processes have appropriate access.
  • Review existing workspace dotenv files for any potentially sensitive information and implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized modification or creation of such files.