CVE-2026-81701

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 use a denylist to identify trusted built-in plugins, allowing unsigned plugins in top-level plugins/ directories and unknown subdirectories to bypass signature verification. Attackers can place malicious unsigned plugins following documented installation paths to achieve arbitrary code execution in the CLI process with access to passwords and cryptographic keys.

CVSS v3 9.8 CRITICAL

9.8^/10

CVSS v3 : CRITICAL

Vector :

Exploitability : 3.9 / Impact : 5.9

Attack Vector NETWORK

Attack Complexity LOW

Privileges Required NONE

User Interaction NONE

Confidentiality Impact HIGH

Integrity Impact HIGH

Availability Impact HIGH

Scope UNCHANGED

References

Link	Resource
https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-wxx9-p55f-wm34	Vendor Advisory
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-arbitrary-code-execution-via-unsigned-plugin	Third Party Advisory

Configurations

Configuration 1 (hide)

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

History

No history.

Information

Published : 2026-08-27 17:21

Updated : 2026-09-01 18:12

NVD link : CVE-2026-81701

Mitre link : CVE-2026-81701

CVE.ORG link : CVE-2026-81701

JSON object : View

Products Affected

jahlives

openssl_encrypt

CWE

CWE-347

Improper Verification of Cryptographic Signature

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