CVE-2026-32050 in OpenClaw
Summary
by MITRE • 03/21/2026
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.25 contain an access control vulnerability in signal reaction notification handling that allows unauthorized senders to enqueue status events before authorization checks are applied. Attackers can exploit the reaction-only event path in event-handler.ts to queue signal reaction status lines for sessions without proper DM or group access validation.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-32050 affects OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.25 and represents a critical access control flaw within the signal reaction notification handling mechanism. This weakness resides in the event-handler.ts component where unauthorized actors can manipulate the system to enqueue status events before proper authorization checks are executed. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user permissions during the signal reaction process, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to bypass normal access controls.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the reaction-only event path where status lines are queued for sessions without adequate DM or group access validation. This design oversight allows attackers to exploit the event handling flow by sending specially crafted signals that trigger status updates before the system performs necessary authorization checks. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the event processing pipeline that manages signal reactions within the OpenClaw framework. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in authorization checking mechanisms, specifically CWE-284 Access Control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables unauthorized users to potentially manipulate system state and gain insights into sessions they should not have access to. Attackers can queue status events that may reveal information about active sessions, user activities, or system configurations that would normally be restricted. This access control bypass could lead to information disclosure, privilege escalation, or disruption of normal system operations. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it allows unauthorized access through legitimate system pathways that should require proper authentication and authorization.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper access validation before any signal reaction processing occurs. The system should enforce DM and group access validation immediately upon receipt of signal reactions rather than deferring these checks until after event queuing. Security patches should include mandatory authorization checks at the entry point of the event handler, ensuring that all signal reaction processing requires proper session validation. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual signal reaction patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix should be implemented through the event-handler.ts component to ensure that proper access control enforcement occurs before any status events are enqueued. Regular security assessments of event handling components should be conducted to prevent similar access control vulnerabilities from emerging in other system pathways.