Prototype Pollution in node-forge debug API
Summary
GHSA-5rrq-pxf6-6jx5: Prototype Pollution in node-forge debug API. Affects node-forge versions < 1.0.0. Fixed in 1.0.0. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The node-forge package is an implementation of cryptographic functions and utilities for Node.js. It provides a set of APIs for handling encryption, decryption, digital signatures, and other cryptographic operations. The package is widely used in various applications that require secure communication and data protection.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified in the node-forge package is related to the debug API. The forge.debug API had a potential prototype pollution issue if called with untrusted input. This vulnerability could allow an attacker to modify the prototype of objects and potentially execute arbitrary code or manipulate the behavior of the application. However, it is important to note that the forge.debug API was only used for internal debug purposes and was not documented or advertised. It is unlikely that this vulnerability would be exploited in a real-world scenario, as the API was not intended for public use.
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
1.0.0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
npm install node-forge@1.0.0Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
To mitigate the risk of this vulnerability, developers should avoid using the forge.debug API directly or indirectly with untrusted input. By ensuring that only trusted inputs are used with the API, the potential for prototype pollution can be minimized.
Conclusion
The node-forge package had a potential prototype pollution vulnerability in the forge.debug API. However, this API was only used for internal debug purposes and was not intended for public use. The package maintainers have addressed the vulnerability by removing the forge.debug API in version 1.0.0. Developers are advised to update their applications to the latest version of the node-forge package to mitigate the risk of this vulnerability. For further support on vulnerability remediation, you can reach out to DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for node-forge →
FAQ
Node-forge is a cryptographic library for Node.js that provides various functions and utilities for encryption, decryption, and digital signatures.
The forge.debug API is an internal API used for debugging purposes in the node-forge package. It was not intended for public use.
Prototype pollution is a vulnerability that occurs when an attacker is able to modify the prototype of objects, leading to unexpected behavior or code execution.
No, this vulnerability is unlikely to be actively exploited as the forge.debug API was not intended for public use and the impact is limited.
To fix this vulnerability, you should update your application to use the latest version of the node-forge package (version 1.0.0 or higher).
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for node-forge.
