CVE-2026-33896

Name: CVE-2026-33896
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2026-03-27T21:17:26.32+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

CRITICALCVSS 9.1/10EPSS 0.18%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2026-33896 is a critical-severity vulnerability rated 9.1/10 on the CVSS scale. Forge (also called `node-forge`) is a native implementation of Transport Layer Security in JavaScript. Prior to version 1.4.0, `pki.verifyCertificateChain()` does not enforce RFC 5280 basicConstraints requirements when an intermediate certificate lacks both the `basicConstraints` and `keyUsage` extensions. EPSS estimates a 0.18% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Forge (also called `node-forge`) is a native implementation of Transport Layer Security in JavaScript. Prior to version 1.4.0, `pki.verifyCertificateChain()` does not enforce RFC 5280 basicConstraints requirements when an intermediate certificate lacks both the `basicConstraints` and `keyUsage` 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 the issue.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

9.1/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N

EPSS Probability

0.18%

8.3th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-295

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Digitalbazaar	Forge	<= 1.3.3

References

https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/commit/2e492832fb25227e6b647cbe1ac981c123171e90Patch
https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/security/advisories/GHSA-2328-f5f3-gj25Exploit, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/security/advisories/GHSA-2328-f5f3-gj25Exploit, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Mar 27, 2026
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Analyzed

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-33896?

How severe is CVE-2026-33896?

CVE-2026-33896 has a CVSS score of 9.1/10 (CRITICAL severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.18% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2026-33896?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2026-33896?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST