Platform
nodejs
Component
node-forge
Fixed in
1.3.2
1.3.2
CVE-2025-12816 is a critical vulnerability affecting versions of node-forge up to 1.3.1. This vulnerability, classified as a CWE-436 Interpretation Conflict, allows attackers to craft malicious ASN.1 structures that bypass cryptographic validations. Successful exploitation can lead to security decisions being made based on flawed data, potentially compromising the integrity of cryptographic operations. A fix is available in version 1.3.2.
The core of this vulnerability lies in the asn1.validate function within forge/lib/asn1.js. Attackers can leverage this flaw to create specially crafted ASN.1 structures that desynchronize schema validations. This desynchronization results in a semantic divergence, effectively bypassing downstream cryptographic verifications. The impact is significant, as it allows attackers to manipulate security decisions based on invalid data. For example, an attacker could potentially forge digital signatures or certificates, leading to unauthorized access or data breaches. The blast radius extends to any application relying on node-forge for ASN.1 processing, particularly those involved in secure communication or data storage.
CVE-2025-12816 was reserved by CERT/CC. Public proof-of-concept (PoC) code is currently unavailable, but the vulnerability's nature suggests that developing such a PoC is feasible. The EPSS score is likely to be medium, reflecting the complexity of crafting malicious ASN.1 structures but the potential for significant impact. This CVE was published on 2025-11-26.
Exploit Status
EPSS
0.06% (18% percentile)
CVSS Vector
The primary mitigation for CVE-2025-12816 is to upgrade to node-forge version 1.3.2 or later. This version includes a fix that addresses the ASN.1 validation bypass vulnerability. If upgrading is not immediately feasible due to compatibility issues or breaking changes, consider implementing stricter input validation on ASN.1 data before processing it with node-forge. While not a complete solution, this can help reduce the attack surface. There are no specific WAF rules or detection signatures readily available for this specific vulnerability, as it's a code-level flaw. Focus on upgrading and validating inputs.
Update the node-forge library to a version later than 1.3.1. This will fix the interpretation conflict vulnerability. You can update using npm with the command: `npm install node-forge@latest`.
Vulnerability analysis and critical alerts directly to your inbox.
CVE-2025-12816 is a HIGH severity vulnerability in node-forge versions <=1.3.1 that allows attackers to craft ASN.1 structures to bypass cryptographic validations, potentially compromising security decisions.
If you are using node-forge versions 1.3.1 or earlier, you are potentially affected. Upgrade to version 1.3.2 or later to mitigate the risk.
The recommended fix is to upgrade to node-forge version 1.3.2 or later. If upgrading is not possible immediately, implement stricter input validation on ASN.1 data.
While no active exploitation has been publicly confirmed, the vulnerability's nature suggests it could be exploited, and it's crucial to apply the fix proactively.
Refer to the CERT/CC advisory and the node-forge project's release notes for the latest information and updates regarding CVE-2025-12816.
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