cpp-httplib: Improper Certificate Validation
CVE-2026-32627 is a high-severity improper certificate validation vulnerability in cpp-httplib from Yhirose, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected cpp-httplib versions: < 0.37.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.2% 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 cpp-httplib 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
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yhirose | cpp-httplib | < 0.37.2 | Not stated |
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
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.7 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.1 | High | NVD |
Official description
cpp-httplib is a C++11 single-file header-only cross platform HTTP/HTTPS library. Prior to 0.37.2, when a cpp-httplib client is configured with a proxy and set_follow_location(true), any HTTPS redirect it follows will have TLS certificate and hostname verification silently disabled on the new connection. The client will accept any certificate presented by the redirect target — expired, self-signed, or forged — without raising an error or notifying the application. A network attacker in a position to return a redirect response can fully intercept the follow-up HTTPS connection, including any credentials or session tokens in flight. This vulnerability is fixed in 0.37.2.
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
Other vulnerabilities in cpp-httplib
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Certificate Validation vulnerabilities
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
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