CVE-2026-16199 in GoClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 07/19/2026
A flaw has been found in nextlevelbuilder GoClaw up to 3.13.3-beta.3. This affects the function ExecTool.Execute of the file goclaw/internal/tools/credentialed_exec.go. Executing a manipulation can lead to improper authorization. The attack may be launched remotely. The exploit has been published and may be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2026
The vulnerability exists within nextlevelbuilder GoClaw version 3.13.3-beta.3 and earlier, specifically in the ExecTool.Execute function located in goclaw/internal/tools/credentialed_exec.go. This flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper access control mechanisms within the credential execution framework, creating a pathway for unauthorized manipulation of system resources. The security implications extend beyond local execution boundaries as the attack vector supports remote exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the application may be exposed to untrusted users or systems.
The technical implementation flaw manifests through inadequate sanitization of command inputs passed to the credential execution mechanism. When the ExecTool.Execute function processes external inputs, it fails to properly validate or sanitize parameters that could influence command execution paths. This creates a condition where malicious actors can inject crafted payloads that bypass intended authorization checks and execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the application process. The vulnerability specifically targets the credential management functionality, allowing attackers to escalate privileges and potentially gain system-level access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted across enterprise environments. Remote exploitation capabilities mean that attackers can target systems without requiring physical access or local network presence, significantly expanding the attack surface. Organizations using GoClaw for automated tool execution or credential management face potential complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and persistent access. The published exploit availability accelerates threat adoption, as security teams must address this vulnerability before adversaries can leverage it for unauthorized access, privilege escalation, or lateral movement within networks where the application is deployed.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege. From an attack framework perspective, it maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, and potentially T1566 for social engineering if the vulnerability is exploited through user interaction. The remediation approach requires immediate patching of the GoClaw application to version 3.13.3-beta.4 or later, alongside implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected systems, disabling unnecessary remote execution capabilities, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of credential handling mechanisms within the application stack.
Organizations should implement immediate monitoring for unauthorized command executions and anomalous credential usage patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation in security-critical functions, particularly those involving privilege escalation or system-level operations. Security teams must also review similar credential handling implementations across their infrastructure to identify potential analogous vulnerabilities in other systems, as this flaw demonstrates how inadequate access control in one component can compromise entire application frameworks and potentially lead to broader system compromise.