CVE-2026-48618
Description
A flaw was found in Node.js. This flaw involves a mismatch in how Node.js handles TLS (Transport Layer Security) hostnames and unicode dot separators during authentication. This mismatch can lead to a wildcard-depth authentication bypass. An attacker could exploit this to bypass intended security boundaries, potentially leading to unauthorized access and confidentiality impact.
Statement
This Important flaw in Node.js allows for a TLS wildcard-depth authentication bypass due to a mismatch in how hostnames and unicode dot separators are handled during authentication. This could enable an attacker to circumvent security boundaries, potentially leading to unauthorized access and compromise of sensitive information in applications utilizing Node.js for TLS connections. The issue affects Node.js versions 22, 24, and 26 as shipped in Red Hat products.
Mitigation
Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options do not meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.
Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details
Info alert:Important note
CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).
CVSS v3 Score Breakdown
| Red Hat | NVD | cve.org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Score | 7.7 | 6.5 | 7.7 |
| Attack Vector | Network | Network | Network |
| Attack Complexity | Low | Low | Low |
| Privileges Required | Low | Low | Low |
| User Interaction | None | None | None |
| Scope | Changed | Unchanged | Changed |
| Confidentiality | High | High | High |
| Integrity Impact | None | None | None |
| Availability Impact | None | None | None |
Vector
Red Hat: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N
NVD: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:N/A:N
Understanding the Weakness (CWE)
Access Control
Technical Impact: Bypass Protection Mechanism
Frequently Asked Questions
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