grpc-node: Improper Certificate Validation
CVE-2026-101916 is a high-severity improper certificate validation vulnerability in grpc-node from Grpc, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.4 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected grpc-node versions: < 1.13.6; >= 1.14.0, < 1.14.5. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.21% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of grpc-node you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
@grpc/grpc-js implements the core functionality of gRPC purely in JavaScript, without a C++ addon. Prior to 1.13.6 and 1.14.5, getAuthContext does not distinguish authorized from unauthorized peer certificates when server credentials set requireClientCertificate to false. When applications use the returned authentication context, they can treat an unauthorized certificate as authorized, causing improper authentication. @grpc/grpc-js-xds can reach this condition when RBAC authentication is enabled in affected configurations. This issue is fixed in version 1.14.5 and 1.13.6.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Certificate Validation
The product does not validate, or incorrectly validates, a certificate.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Certificates should be carefully managed and checked to assure that data are encrypted with the intended owner's public key.
- If certificate pinning is being used, ensure that all relevant properties of the certificate are fully validated before the certificate is pinned, including the hostname.
More Improper Certificate Validation vulnerabilities (CWE-295)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other vulnerabilities in grpc-node
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Certificate Validation vulnerabilities
- 8.2 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 9.4 Critical severity
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