CVE-2026-33896
node-forge: Forge (node-forge): Certificate validation bypass allows unauthorized certificate issuance
Severity
ImportantRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.1
Review impact separately from score.
Published · March 28, 2026
Updated · November 5, 2026
Description
A flaw was found in Forge (also known as node-forge), a JavaScript implementation of Transport Layer Security (TLS). The pki.verifyCertificateChain() function does not properly enforce certificate validation rules. This oversight allows an intermediate certificate that lacks specific security extensions to enable any leaf certificate to function as a Certificate Authority (CA) and sign other certificates. Consequently, node-forge could accept these unauthorized certificates as valid, potentially leading to spoofing or the issuance of illegitimate certificates.
CVSS score applicability
The CVSS score(s) listed for this vulnerability do not reflect the associated product's status, and are included for informational purposes to better understand the severity of this vulnerability.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.
CVSS / CWE
CVSS 3.1 · 7.4CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N
CWE-295 · Improper Certificate Validation