CVE-2025-12816: node-forge ASN.1 Validator Desynchronization Vulnerability
Summary
CVE-2025-12816: node-forge has an Interpretation Conflict vulnerability via its ASN.1 Validator Desynchronization. Affects node-forge versions < 1.3.2. Fixed in 1.3.2. How to fix ↓
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Background
node-forge is a popular JavaScript library that provides tools for working with cryptographic protocols and data formats, including X.509 certificates, PKCS#7, PKCS#12, and more. It is widely used in web applications for secure data handling. However, certain versions of node-forge are vulnerable to an Interpretation Conflict vulnerability that can lead to serious security issues.
Vulnerability Detail
CVE-2025-12816 is an Interpretation Conflict (CWE-436) vulnerability found in node-forge versions 1.3.1 and below. This vulnerability allows remote, unauthenticated attackers to craft ASN.1 structures that desynchronize schema validations. As a result, it can bypass critical cryptographic verifications and security decisions, leading to potential integrity and confidentiality compromises. The flaw exists in the asn1.validate function, where a specially crafted ASN.1 object can cause a malformed optional field to be misinterpreted as a mandatory structure, allowing attackers to manipulate digital signatures and integrity checks.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 1.4.0 as of 22 Oct 2026
npm install node-forge@1.4.0Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
1.3.2
This is the first release that contains the fix.
npm install node-forge@1.3.2Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If an immediate update is not possible, consider implementing additional validation checks in your application to ensure that ASN.1 structures conform to expected formats before processing them. However, this is not a complete substitute for updating the library.
Conclusion
CVE-2025-12816 represents a significant security risk for applications using vulnerable versions of node-forge. It is crucial to update to version 1.3.2 or later to mitigate this risk. Additionally, employing Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for node-forge →
FAQ
CVE-2025-12816 is a vulnerability in the node-forge library that allows attackers to exploit ASN.1 validation processes, potentially bypassing security checks.
Versions 1.3.1 and below of node-forge are affected by this vulnerability.
The vulnerability can lead to integrity and confidentiality issues, allowing attackers to manipulate cryptographic signatures and bypass security measures.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
The CVSS score of CVE-2025-12816 is 8.6, indicating a high severity level.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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