CVE-2026-16119 in GoClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 07/18/2026
A vulnerability was found in nextlevelbuilder GoClaw up to 3.13.2. This affects the function RequestApproval of the file internal/tools/exec_approval.go of the component WebSocket Approval Endpoint. Performing a manipulation results in incorrect authorization. The attack is possible to be carried out remotely. The exploit has been made public and could be used.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2026
The vulnerability in nextlevelbuilder GoClaw up to version 3.13.2 represents a critical authorization flaw within the WebSocket Approval Endpoint functionality. This issue manifests specifically within the RequestApproval function located in internal/tools/exec_approval.go, where improper validation mechanisms allow unauthorized manipulation of approval processes. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can potentially compromise the system without requiring physical access or local network presence. The fact that a public exploit exists significantly increases the risk profile, as malicious actors can readily leverage this weakness to gain unauthorized access to approval workflows.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate input validation and authorization checks within the WebSocket communication channel. When the RequestApproval function processes incoming requests, it fails to properly verify the legitimacy of approval requests, potentially accepting manipulated payloads that bypass normal authentication procedures. This allows attackers to submit forged approval requests or manipulate existing ones, effectively circumventing the intended security controls that should govern who can approve specific actions within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity of the approval process within the GoClaw system. Organizations relying on this tool for workflow management may experience unauthorized modifications to critical processes, potentially leading to data manipulation, unauthorized access to restricted resources, or disruption of business operations. The WebSocket endpoint's design appears to assume trusted communication channels, which creates a dangerous assumption that can be exploited by remote attackers.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization within software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and privilege escalation. The vulnerability's classification as a remote exploit capability makes it particularly dangerous for environments where the GoClaw system is exposed to untrusted networks or internet-facing services. Organizations using this software should immediately implement mitigations including network segmentation, authentication hardening, and thorough code review of the WebSocket approval endpoint functionality.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected versions, implementation of additional authentication layers for WebSocket endpoints, and monitoring for anomalous approval request patterns. Network-level controls such as firewall rules restricting access to the WebSocket endpoint can provide temporary protection while more comprehensive solutions are implemented. Security teams should also conduct thorough penetration testing to identify potential exploitation vectors and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing approval process manipulation scenarios. The public availability of exploit code necessitates urgent remediation efforts, as the window for successful attacks remains open until proper security controls are in place.