CVE-2026-81681

openssl_encrypt (pip package openssl-encrypt) versions <= 1.4.8 advertise a portable USB workspace as an 'Encrypted USB Workspace' with AES-256-GCM encryption and write a marker declaring the workspace encrypted, but the workspace directory is actually stored in cleartext and the derived encryption key is never applied to it. A user who trusts the branding and places files in the workspace leaves them unencrypted on the removable media, so an attacker with physical access to the media can read the sensitive files. Fixed in 1.4.9, which seals the workspace into an authenticated AES-256-GCM vault.

CVSS v3 4.6 MEDIUM

4.6^/10

CVSS v3 : MEDIUM

Vector :

Exploitability : 0.9 / Impact : 3.6

Attack Vector PHYSICAL

Attack Complexity LOW

Privileges Required NONE

User Interaction NONE

Confidentiality Impact HIGH

Integrity Impact NONE

Availability Impact NONE

Scope UNCHANGED

References

Link	Resource
https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-2jv6-qqfm-m46m	Vendor Advisory
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-false-encryption-via-cleartext-storage	Third Party Advisory

Configurations

Configuration 1 (hide)

cpe:2.3:a:jahlives:openssl_encrypt:*:*:*:*:*:python:*:*

History

No history.

Information

Published : 2026-08-27 17:20

Updated : 2026-09-02 13:13

NVD link : CVE-2026-81681

Mitre link : CVE-2026-81681

CVE.ORG link : CVE-2026-81681

JSON object : View

Products Affected

jahlives

openssl_encrypt

CWE

CWE-311

Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data

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