Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
CVE-2026-32016 affects OpenClaw on macOS before version 2026.2.22. A local user can bypass intended execution approvals when OpenClaw is configured to use allowlist mode with ask-on-miss. The issue can let an unauthorized same-name local binary run without approval, undermining endpoint execution controls.
Executive priority
Prioritize remediation for managed macOS endpoints where OpenClaw enforces execution approvals. The issue can weaken a security control meant to prevent unauthorized binaries, but current sources do not indicate internet exposure or active exploitation.
Technical view
OpenClaw’s exec-approval allowlist mode performed basename-only matching. On macOS, versions before 2026.2.22 may approve a local binary with the same filename as an allowlisted entry, bypassing intended path-based restrictions. The CVSS 3.1 score is 7.8 with local attack vector, low complexity, low privileges, and high CIA impact.
Likely exposure
Exposure appears limited to macOS systems running OpenClaw before 2026.2.22 with security=allowlist and ask=on-miss configured, especially where allowlist entries rely on basename-only matching.
Exploitation context
The source bundle does not show CISA KEV listing or cited evidence of active exploitation. Exploitation requires local access and a vulnerable OpenClaw configuration, but no user interaction is required per CVSS.
Researcher notes
Key scoping variables are OS, OpenClaw version, and exec-approval configuration. The advisory describes a policy-bypass condition, not a remote compromise. Public evidence in the bundle identifies a patch commit but does not provide KEV confirmation or active exploitation claims.
Mitigation direction
- Upgrade OpenClaw on macOS to version 2026.2.22 or later.
- Review vendor advisory and patch commit for official remediation details.
- Identify and reassess basename-only allowlist entries in affected configurations.
- If upgrade is delayed, avoid relying on the affected allowlist mode until vendor guidance is applied.
Validation and detection
- Inventory macOS hosts running OpenClaw.
- Confirm installed OpenClaw versions are 2026.2.22 or later.
- Check whether security=allowlist and ask=on-miss are enabled.
- Review allowlist policy entries for basename-only matches.
- Monitor OpenClaw release notes and advisories for updated guidance.
Public sources used
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context
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ATT&CK lookup starting points
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CWE-426: Exact CWE lookup
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Open ATT&CK lookupFile access behavior lookup
The CVE wording references file access or upload behavior, so file telemetry and web shell review may help. This is a Glexia inferred lookup path, not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, or CVE Program mapping.
Open ATT&CK lookupCVE-2026-32016 mapping review
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Open ATT&CK lookup- Severity
- High
- CVSS
- 7.8 (3.1)
- Known Exploited
- No
- Published
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5
These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.
SSVC decision data
CVSS vector scores
2 official scoresWe collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9VulnCheckCVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N——VulnCheckVulnerability scoring details
Base CVSS 4.0 score
7.3HighVector: CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
Base CVSS 3.1 score
7.8HighVector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Vulnerability timeline
Timeline events are normalized from CVE metadata, CNA source timelines, ADP timelines, and KEV metadata when present.
- CVE reservedCVE Program
The CVE ID was reserved by the assigning CNA.
- CVE publishedCVE Program
The CVE record was published.
- CVE updatedCVE Program
The CVE record metadata indicates this as the latest update time.
ADP provider summaries
Source materials
- CVE List V5 sourceCVE List V5
- GitHub Security Advisory (GHSA-7f4q-9rqh-x36p)CVE reference, VulnCheck · third-party-advisory
- Patch CommitCVE reference, VulnCheck · patch
- VulnCheck Advisory: OpenClaw < 2026.2.22 - Path Traversal via Basename-Only Allowlist Matching on macOSCVE reference, VulnCheck · third-party-advisory
Products and packages named in the record
CWE details
CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.
Untrusted Search Path
Untrusted Search Path represents a recurring weakness pattern that can create exploitable paths when design, validation, or implementation controls are missing.