CVE-2026-81684

In openssl_encrypt (pip package openssl-encrypt) versions <= 1.4.8, the desktop GUI passes the steganography password to the CLI child process on the command line via the --stego-password argument (on both encrypt and decrypt paths) instead of via an environment variable as done for the main password. Any local user can read the steganography password from /proc/<pid>/cmdline for the lifetime of the subprocess. Fixed in 1.4.9.

CVSS v3 6.2 MEDIUM

6.2^/10

CVSS v3 : MEDIUM

Vector :

Exploitability : 2.5 / Impact : 3.6

Attack Vector LOCAL

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-rx2c-m92f-qv6p	Vendor Advisory
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-information-disclosure-via-command-line	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 : 2026-09-03 15:07

NVD link : CVE-2026-81684

Mitre link : CVE-2026-81684

CVE.ORG link : CVE-2026-81684

JSON object : View

Products Affected

jahlives

openssl_encrypt

CWE

CWE-214

Invocation of Process Using Visible Sensitive Information

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