CVE-2026-33308: mod_gnutls missing key purpose check in client certificate verification

Published Mar 24, 2026
·
Updated

Modgnutls is a TLS module for Apache HTTPD based on GnuTLS. Prior to version 0.13.0, code for client certificate verification did not check the key purpose as set in the Extended Key Usage extension. An attacker with access to the private key for a valid certificate issued by a CA trusted for TLS client authentication but designated for a different purpose could have used that certificate to improperly access resources requiring TLS client authentication. Server configurations that do not use client certificates (GnuTLSClientVerify ignore, the default) are not affected. The problem has been fixed in version 0.13.0 by rewriting certificate verification to use gnutlscertificateverifypeers(), and requiring key purpose id-kp-clientAuth (also known as tlswwwclient in GnuTLS) by default if the Extended Key Usage extension is present. The new GnuTLSClientKeyPurpose option allows overriding the expected key purpose if needed (please see the manual for details). Behavior for certificates without an Extended Key Usage extension is unchanged. If dedicated (sub-)CAs are used for issuing TLS client certificates only (not for any other purposes) the issue has no practical impact.

Affected Software

2 affected components
mod_gnutls mod_gnutls<0.13.0
Mod Gnutls Project Mod Gnutls<0.13.0

Event History

Mar 24, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:36 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:36 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:16 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
Dec 26, 58199
Event
via FIRST·05:41 PM
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-33308?

CVE-2026-33308 is classified as a moderate severity vulnerability.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-33308?

To fix CVE-2026-33308, users should upgrade to mod_gnutls version 0.13.0 or later.

3

What is the cause of CVE-2026-33308?

CVE-2026-33308 is caused by the missing key purpose check during client certificate verification in mod_gnutls.

4

Who is affected by CVE-2026-33308?

CVE-2026-33308 affects users of mod_gnutls versions prior to 0.13.0.

5

What is mod_gnutls?

mod_gnutls is a TLS module for Apache HTTPD that utilizes the GnuTLS library.

Contact

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