CVE-2023-30588: When an invalid public key is used to create an x509 certificate using the crypto.X509Certificate() API a non-

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MEDIUM 5.3REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2023-30588 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.3) affecting node.js. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

When an invalid public key is used to create an x509 certificate using the crypto.X509Certificate() API a non-expect termination occurs making it susceptible to DoS attacks when the attacker could force interruptions of application processing, as the process terminates when accessing public key info of provided certificates from user code. The current context of the users will be gone, and that will cause a DoS scenario. This vulnerability affect

Why this priority

Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.3 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.2% (top 33%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2023-11-28
Last modified	2026-11-02

Publisher (CNA): HackerOne · Vendor: nodejs

Last updated 2026-11-02 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-11-28 20:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-11-02 23:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

nodejs node.js UPGRADE

Affected: >= 16.0.0 and < 16.20.1 · >= 18.0.0 and < 18.16.1 · >= 20.0.0 and < 20.3.1

Fixed in: 16.20.1, 18.16.1, 20.3.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 16.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy node.js || rpm -q node.js || node.js --version

2. UPGRADE to 16.20.1 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade node.js

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade node.js

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 16.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison node.js sudo apt install node.js=<VERSION_BEFORE_16.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold node.js

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list node.js sudo dnf downgrade node.js-<VERSION_BEFORE_16.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add node.js

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2023-30588?

node.js: upgrade to 16.20.1, 18.16.1, 20.3.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-30588 being exploited?

CVE-2023-30588 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2023-30588 affect?

CVE-2023-30588 affects node.js. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.3). When an invalid public key is used to create an x509 certificate using the crypto.X509Certificate() API a non-expect termination occurs making it susceptible to DoS attacks when the attacker could force interruptions of application processi

How urgent is CVE-2023-30588?

Priority 40/100. Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Node.js vulnerabilities

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References

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