CVE-2026-48618
nodejs: Node.js: Authentication bypass due to TLS hostname handling and unicode dot separator mismatch
Severity
ImportantRed Hat Product Security
CVSS 3.0
Review impact separately from score.
Published · June 26, 2026
Updated · October 19, 2026
Description
A flaw was found in Node.js. This flaw involves a mismatch in how Node.js handles TLS (Transport Layer Security) hostnames and unicode dot separators during authentication. This mismatch can lead to a wildcard-depth authentication bypass. An attacker could exploit this to bypass intended security boundaries, potentially leading to unauthorized access and confidentiality impact.
Statement
This Important flaw in Node.js allows for a TLS wildcard-depth authentication bypass due to a mismatch in how hostnames and unicode dot separators are handled during authentication. This could enable an attacker to circumvent security boundaries, potentially leading to unauthorized access and compromise of sensitive information in applications utilizing Node.js for TLS connections. The issue affects Node.js versions 22, 24, and 26 as shipped in Red Hat products.
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 3.0 · 7.7CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N
CWE-289 · Authentication Bypass by Alternate Name