CVE-2022-24771 is a cryptographic vulnerability found in versions of the JavaScript library 'node-forge' (also known as 'forge') prior to version 1.3.0. Node-forge is widely used for implementing Transport Layer Security (TLS) and cryptographic functions in JavaScript environments, including web applications and server-side Node.js applications. The vulnerability stems from improper verification of RSA PKCS#1 v1.5 signatures, specifically in the way the library validates the digest algorithm structure embedded within the signature. The verification process is lenient and fails to strictly check the structure of the digest algorithm identifier, allowing an attacker to craft a malformed signature that exploits unchecked portions of the PKCS#1 encoded message. This can lead to signature forgery when the RSA public key uses a low public exponent (commonly 3), which is a known weak configuration. By exploiting this flaw, an attacker could potentially bypass signature verification, enabling unauthorized code execution, data tampering, or bypassing authentication mechanisms that rely on digital signatures. The issue was resolved in node-forge version 1.3.0 by enforcing stricter validation of the digest algorithm structure during signature verification. There are currently no known workarounds, and no public exploits have been reported in the wild. This vulnerability falls under CWE-347, indicating improper verification of cryptographic signatures, which is critical for maintaining the integrity and authenticity of communications and data in cryptographic protocols.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for those relying on node-forge for cryptographic operations in web applications, secure communications, or digital signature verification. Exploitation could allow attackers to forge digital signatures, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data integrity violations, and impersonation attacks. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure, where secure communications and data authenticity are paramount. The vulnerability undermines trust in cryptographic assurances, potentially enabling attackers to bypass authentication or authorization controls. Given the widespread use of JavaScript and Node.js in modern web services, any application or service using vulnerable versions of node-forge is at risk. While no known exploits exist currently, the presence of this vulnerability increases the attack surface, especially in environments where low public exponent RSA keys are used. The impact on confidentiality is indirect but possible if forged signatures allow access to sensitive data. Integrity and authenticity are directly threatened, and availability could be affected if attackers leverage the vulnerability to disrupt services or escalate privileges.

European organizations should immediately audit their software dependencies to identify any usage of node-forge versions prior to 1.3.0. The primary mitigation is to upgrade node-forge to version 1.3.0 or later, where the vulnerability has been fixed. Since no workarounds exist, patching is critical. Additionally, organizations should review their cryptographic key configurations to avoid using low public exponent RSA keys (e.g., e=3), which exacerbate the risk of this vulnerability. Implementing strict dependency management and software bill of materials (SBOM) practices can help detect vulnerable libraries. For applications where upgrading node-forge is not immediately feasible, consider isolating or restricting the use of signature verification functions or employing alternative cryptographic libraries with robust verification. Monitoring application logs for anomalous signature verification failures or suspicious activities related to cryptographic operations can provide early detection of exploitation attempts. Finally, organizations should educate developers about secure cryptographic practices and the importance of timely patching of cryptographic libraries.