CVE-2026-21637
A flaw in Node.js TLS error handling allows remote attackers to crash or exhaust resources of a TLS server when `pskCallback` or `ALPNCallback` are in use.
Does this matter?
High impact if exploited, but EPSS currently rates exploitation as unlikely (1.10%). Schedule it in the normal patch cycle and watch for a rise in EPSS or a public exploit.
Description
A flaw in Node.js TLS error handling allows remote attackers to crash or exhaust resources of a TLS server when `pskCallback` or `ALPNCallback` are in use. Synchronous exceptions thrown during these callbacks bypass standard TLS error handling paths (tlsClientError and error), causing either immediate process termination or silent file descriptor leaks that eventually lead to denial of service. Because these callbacks process attacker-controlled input during the TLS handshake, a remote client can repeatedly trigger the issue. This vulnerability affects TLS servers using PSK or ALPN callbacks across Node.js versions where these callbacks throw without being safely wrapped.
- CVSS 3.1
- 7.5 HIGHCVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H
- EPSS
- 1.10% probability · 64th percentile
- CISA KEV
- Not listed
- Weakness
- CWE-400
- Affected
- nodejs/node.js
- Source
- support@hackerone.com
References
- https://nodejs.org/en/blog/vulnerability/december-2025-security-releasesRelease Notes, Vendor Advisory
Source: NVD record, EPSS from FIRST.org, KEV from CISA. Refreshed daily.