CVE-2026-73253

What it is

Mongoose is an embedded web server and network library. Prior to version 7.22, an on-path network attacker with a wildcard certificate for a parent domain can impersonate deeper subdomains to a client using the built-in TLS stack. The mg_tls_verify_cert_san() and mg_tls_verify_cert_cn() functions in src/tls_builtin.c call mg_match(), whose wildcard can cross DNS label boundaries, so a pattern such as *.example.com can match foo.bar.example.com. The resulting hostname verification bypass permits interception and modification of TLS traffic. This issue is fixed in version 7.22.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering.

Exploit odds

0.3% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-08-20 18:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-18 20:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-08-20 18:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-18 20:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.3% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-295 · Improper certificate validation

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• Cesanta Mongoose < 7.22

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 9.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

Present

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

None