CVE-2026-119191
Forge (also called node-forge) is a native implementation of Transport Layer Security in JavaScript. Prior to 1.4.1, the affected implementation used asn1.fromDer(), BIT STRING decoding, maxDepth to process the relevant input or security decision. node-forge decoded ASN.1 stored inside BIT STRING values without consistently applying the configured maxDepth limit and recursively retained copies at each nesting level. Crafted DER containing nested BIT STRINGs could cause excessive recursion, CPU use, and quadratic memory consumption during asn1.fromDer(). This issue is fixed in version 1.4.1.
Executive briefing
The source record describes: Forge (also called node-forge) is a native implementation of Transport Layer Security in JavaScript. Prior to 1.4.1, the affected implementation used asn1.fromDer(), BIT STRING decoding, maxDepth to process the relevant input or security decision. node-forge decoded ASN.1 stored inside BIT STRING values without consistently applying the configured maxDepth limit and recursively retained copies at each nesting level. Crafted DER containing nested BIT STRINGs could cause excessive recursion, CPU use, and quadratic memory consumption during asn1.fromDer(). This issue is fixed in version 1.4.1. The practical risk depends on whether an affected product/version is present, reachable and configured in an exploitable way. Review the affected-product evidence and linked vendor advisories before assigning exposure status.
Evidence confidence: Moderate Evidence-derived, not an exploitability verdict
Severity & attack characteristics
CVSS vector:CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
Technical explanation & impact
The technical mechanism is not expanded beyond the source description unless a referenced advisory supplies additional evidence. Read the linked vendor/CERT advisories for root-cause detail.
Potential impact must be interpreted from the published CVSS impact metrics and the affected component. A CVSS impact score is not proof that a particular asset is exploitable.
Weakness classification
CWE-400CWE-674Affected products and versions
Products below are parsed from NVD vulnerable CPE configuration entries. Version boundaries are shown as published; verify applicability with the vendor.
| Vendor | Product | Version evidence |
|---|---|---|
| digitalbazaar | forge | before 1.4.1 |
Remediation & validation
- Identify exposure by comparing the affected product and version ranges with your asset inventory, SBOM and externally exposed services.
- Review the linked vendor security advisory or patch notes. Upgrade to a vendor-confirmed fixed release; do not infer a fixed version from the CVE description.
- Until patched, consider restricting network access or disabling the affected feature where operationally safe. These are temporary controls, not a substitute for a vendor fix.
- Validate the remediation with a version check and vulnerability rescan, then retain change evidence.
No fixed version is displayed unless it is explicitly established by a vendor advisory. Follow the vendor's release notes for exact product and branch applicability.
Vendor advisories, patches & exploit references
- https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/commit/24035c181f41885ea3ec7279e6c0fcf270b6ec4b PATCH security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/commit/523c8e74c28457daeff044230dce4a36313c5ab7 PATCH security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/releases/tag/v1.4.1 VENDOR security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/security/advisories/GHSA-rhr8-3pm8-cq29 EXPLOIT security-advisories@github.com
- https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/security/advisories/GHSA-rhr8-3pm8-cq29 EXPLOIT 134c704f-9b21-4f2e-91b3-4a467353bcc0