Vulnerability · CVE-2026-33896
Forge (also called ) is a native implementation of Transport Layer Security in JavaScript.
Published Mar 27, 2026 · corrected/updated Sep 4, 2026 · Red Hat forge · evidence confidence high
A flaw was found in Forge (also known as node-forge), a JavaScript implementation of Transport Layer Security (TLS). The 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.
Grounded briefings
Catalog interpretations for three audiences. Each brief cites ingested metadata and the original advisories below. They are not independent research and they do not invent exploit steps.
Executive
CVE-2026-33896 is a critical public vulnerability record for Red Hat forge. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Check the linked vendor or CERT advisories for patch status. This summary is a catalog interpretation of the ingested metadata and cites the original advisories below.
System administrator
Identify whether Red Hat forge is in your estate, then compare installed versions with the affected ranges. Affected packages or ranges on record: digitalbazaar/forge. Check the linked vendor or CERT advisories for patch status. Prefer the vendor or distribution advisory linked in Sources before changing production systems. This is a catalog interpretation, not a runbook.
Security analyst
Signals on file: CVSS 9.1. It is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited catalog. Weakness classes: CWE-295. Sources contributing to this record: csaf, cve_org, nvd. Public exploit references, when present, are outbound links only and are not proof of active exploitation. This is a catalog interpretation of stored metadata.
Exploitation and remediation
Exploitation evidence
Not listed as known exploited in CISA KEV. Not in CISA KEV or VulnCheck KEV.
Patch and remediation
No required-action text is stored yet. Use the vendor or CERT links in Sources for patch availability.
Safe detection guidance
Compare installed versions with the affected ranges below and verify the advisory from the original publisher. This site stores metadata and outbound links only; it does not ship exploit code or proof-of-concept payloads.
Code
The project this record applies to. Exploit listings stay in References.
Timeline
Detection, updates, and resolution for this record.
Mar 27, 2026 · NIST NVD
Detected
Forge (also called ) is a native implementation of Transport Layer Security in JavaScript. Prior to version 1.4.0, does not enforce RFC 5280 basicConstraints requirements when an intermediate certificate lacks both the and extensions. This allows any leaf certificate (without these extensions) to act as a CA and sign other certificates, which node-forge will accept as valid. Version 1.4.0 patches
Sep 4, 2026 · NIST NVD
Updated
Forge (also called ) is a native implementation of Transport Layer Security in JavaScript. Prior to version 1.4.0, does not enforce RFC 5280 basicConstraints requirements when an intermediate certificate lacks both the and extensions. This allows any leaf certificate (without these extensions) to act as a CA and sign other certificates, which node-forge will accept as valid. Version 1.4.0 patches
Affected
- cpe digitalbazaar/forgeversion unspecified
Sources
- CSAF AdvisoriesVendor advisoryRHSA-2026:9742:CVE-2026-33896
A flaw was found in Forge (also known as node-forge), a JavaScript implementation of Transport Layer Security (TLS). The function does not properly enforce certificate validation rules. This oversight allows an intermediate certificate that lacks specific security extensions to e
security.access.redhat.com - CVE.orgVulnerability recordCVE-2026-33896
Official CVE identifier
cve.org - NIST NVDVulnerability recordCVE-2026-33896
Forge (also called ) is a native implementation of Transport Layer Security in JavaScript. Prior to version 1.4.0, does not enforce RFC 5280 basicConstraints requirements when an intermediate certificate lacks both the
nvd.nist.gov