CVE-2026-21637

nodejs: Nodejs denial of service

Published Jan 20, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 7.5 High EPSS 1.1% KEV · Not listed
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.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

Sign in to view the affected projects.

Advisories

Source ID Title
Debian DLA Debian DLA DLA-4598-1 nodejs security update
Debian DSA Debian DSA DSA-6166-1 nodejs security update
Debian DSA Debian DSA DSA-6183-1 nodejs security update
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Nodejs node.js
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:nodejs:node.js:*:*:*:*:-:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Nodejs node.js
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 5.9, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H'}

cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-400
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'yes', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
Title nodejs: Nodejs denial of service
Weaknesses CWE-248
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

cvssV3_1

{'score': 5.9, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H'}

threat_severity

Moderate

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Nodejs
Nodejs nodejs
Vendors & Products Nodejs
Nodejs nodejs
Type Values Removed Values Added
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.
References
Metrics cvssV3_0

{'score': 5.9, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
hackerone
Published
Updated
Jan 21, 2026, 8:22 PM
Reserved
Jan 1, 2026, 3:00 PM
Status
Analyzed
Published
Jan 20, 2026, 9:16 PM
Modified
Jun 17, 2026, 10:18 AM
Severity
Moderate
Public date
Jan 20, 2026, 8:41 PM