CVE-2022-24771
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-24771 is a cryptographic vulnerability in node-forge that allows signature forgery when using RSA PKCS#1 v1.5 with low public exponents. Attackers can exploit lenient digest algorithm structure checking to create forged signatures that appear valid. This affects any application using vulnerable versions of node-forge for TLS/SSL operations or digital signatures.
💻 Affected Systems
- node-forge (also called Forge)
📦 What is this software?
Forge by Digitalbazaar
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of TLS/SSL connections, allowing man-in-the-middle attacks, data interception, and impersonation of trusted services.
Likely Case
Signature forgery enabling authentication bypass, code signing bypass, or manipulation of signed data in applications using node-forge for cryptographic operations.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation, certificate pinning, and additional authentication layers are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires ability to present forged signatures to vulnerable verification code. Public proof-of-concept exists in advisory references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.3.0 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/security/advisories/GHSA-cfm4-qjh2-4765
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update node-forge dependency to version 1.3.0 or higher. 2. Run 'npm update node-forge' or 'yarn upgrade node-forge'. 3. Restart all affected applications and services. 4. Test cryptographic functionality after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
No known workarounds
allThe vulnerability is in the cryptographic implementation itself and cannot be mitigated without patching.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems from untrusted networks
- Implement additional authentication/authorization layers for cryptographic operations
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check package.json or run 'npm list node-forge' to see installed version. If version is below 1.3.0, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
npm list node-forge | grep node-forgeVerify Fix Applied:
After update, verify version is 1.3.0 or higher using 'npm list node-forge'. Test RSA PKCS#1 v1.5 signature verification functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed signature verifications with unusual patterns
- Unexpected certificate validation failures
Network Indicators:
- Unusual TLS handshake patterns
- Certificate validation anomalies
SIEM Query:
Search for application logs containing 'forge', 'signature verification failed', or 'certificate validation error' near cryptographic operations.🔗 References
- https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/commit/3f0b49a0573ef1bb7af7f5673c0cfebf00424df1
- https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/security/advisories/GHSA-cfm4-qjh2-4765
- https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/commit/3f0b49a0573ef1bb7af7f5673c0cfebf00424df1
- https://github.com/digitalbazaar/forge/security/advisories/GHSA-cfm4-qjh2-4765
