CVE-2026-21637

HIGH

Node.js 4.0.0-19.9.0 - Denial of Service via TLS PSK/ALPN Callback Exception Bypass

Title source: llm
STIX 2.1

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 (1)

Core 1
Core References

Scores

CVSS v3 7.5
EPSS 0.0106
EPSS Percentile 59.9%
Attack Vector NETWORK
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

CISA SSVC

Vulnrichment
Exploitation none
Automatable yes
Technical Impact partial

Details

CWE
CWE-400
Status published
Products (1)
nodejs/node.js 4.0.0 - 20.20.0
Published Jan 20, 2026
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026