CVE-2026-59261 in OpenClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 07/08/2026
OpenClaw before 2026.5.28 contains a credential exposure vulnerability where workspace dotenv files can override provider credentials. Attackers with lower-trust access to configured input paths can expose sensitive data and credentials that should remain within trusted boundaries.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2026
The OpenClaw vulnerability represents a critical credential exposure flaw that undermines the security boundaries of sensitive configuration management systems. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 2026.5.28 where workspace dotenv files can potentially override provider credentials through improper access control mechanisms. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of file access permissions and insufficient segregation between trusted and untrusted input paths within the application's credential handling architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers with lower-trust access to configured input paths to manipulate or inject malicious credential data into the system. When workspace dotenv files are processed, they can inadvertently overwrite legitimate provider credentials if proper validation checks are not implemented. This creates a scenario where an attacker with access to specific input directories can escalate their privileges by exposing sensitive authentication tokens, API keys, and other confidential information that should remain protected within trusted boundaries.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to significant risk of credential theft and unauthorized system access. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure as attackers can leverage compromised credentials to gain deeper access to connected systems, potentially leading to lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on environment variable configuration management for their cloud infrastructure and application deployments.
This specific flaw aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and CWE-798 (Use of Hard-coded Credentials), while also demonstrating characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (Credentials in Files). The vulnerability represents a failure in proper access control implementation and configuration management practices that are fundamental to secure system design. Organizations should implement strict input validation, enforce proper file permission controls, and establish robust credential segregation mechanisms to prevent unauthorized override of sensitive authentication data.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to OpenClaw version 2026.5.28 or later which includes enhanced access control checks for dotenv file processing. Additionally, organizations should implement mandatory access controls that prevent untrusted users from modifying input paths containing sensitive credential information, establish proper file permission models, and conduct regular security audits of configuration management systems to identify potential exposure vectors. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that detect unauthorized credential override attempts and maintain comprehensive audit trails of all credential-related system activities to support incident response efforts.