OpenClaw: Workspace .env could inject OpenClaw runtime-control variables

Summary

Workspace .env could inject OpenClaw runtime-control variables.

Affected Packages / Versions

• Package: openclaw
• Ecosystem: npm
• Affected versions: < 2026.4.9
• Patched versions: >= 2026.4.9

Impact

A malicious workspace .env file could set OpenClaw runtime-control variables affecting update sources, gateway URLs, ClawHub resolution, browser executable paths, and related behavior.

Technical Details

The fix blocks OpenClaw runtime-control keys and key families from workspace .env loading.

Fix

The issue was fixed in #62660. The first stable tag containing the fix is v2026.4.9, and [email protected] includes the fix.

Fix Commit(s)

• dbfcef319618158fa40b31cdac386ea34c392c0c
• PR: #62660

Release Process Note

Users should upgrade to openclaw 2026.4.9 or newer. The latest npm release, 2026.4.14, already includes the fix.

Credits

Thanks to @zsxsoft, with sponsorship from @KeenSecurityLab for reporting this issue.