CVE-2026-33896: Forge (also called `node-forge`) is a native implementation of Transport Layer Security in JavaScript

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HIGH 7.4REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2026-33896 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.4) affecting forge. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

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.

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.4 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	High
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 70%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-295
Published	2026-03-27
Last modified	2026-10-26

Publisher (CNA): GitHub, Inc. · Vendor: digitalbazaar

Last updated 2026-10-26 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-03-27 21:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-10-26 21:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

digitalbazaar forge UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.3.3

Fixed in: newer than 1.3.3

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

npm ls forge

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.3.3

npm install forge@">1.3.3"

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-2026-33896?

forge: upgrade to newer than 1.3.3. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-33896 being exploited?

CVE-2026-33896 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-2026-33896 affect?

CVE-2026-33896 affects forge. Severity is high (CVSS 7.4). 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 certi

How urgent is CVE-2026-33896?

Priority 43/100. High severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Related CVEs

CVE-2026-33891 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Forge (also called `node-forge`) is a native implementation of Transport Layer Security in JavaScript
CVE-2026-33895 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Forge (also called `node-forge`) is a native implementation of Transport Layer Security in JavaScript
CVE-2026-33894 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Forge (also called `node-forge`) is a native implementation of Transport Layer Security in JavaScript

References

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