Weakness in OpenSSL Encrypt Affects Data Security on Multiple Platforms
CVE-2026-74900

9.3CRITICAL

Key Information:

Vendor

Jahlives

Status
OpenSSL Encrypt
Vendor
CVE Published:
17 August 2026

What is CVE-2026-74900?

The openssl_encrypt library before version 1.4.0 contains a significant flaw in its pqc.py file, where failures during KEM decapsulation revert to a simulation mode that can compromise data integrity. This vulnerability allows attackers who have access to just 16 bytes of a private key to calculate the corresponding shared secret. Consequently, they may decrypt the encrypted information processed by the library, as the fallback to simulation mode occurs without triggering any alerts or errors. It is crucial for users to upgrade to the latest version to mitigate these risks and ensure robust security for their cryptographic operations.

Affected Version(s)

openssl_encrypt 0 < 1.4.0

openssl_encrypt 1.4.0

References

https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advi...
vendor-advisory
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-befo...
third-party-advisory

CVSS V4

Score:
9.3
Severity:
CRITICAL
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
High
Availability:
High
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Attack Required:
None
Privileges Required:
Undefined
User Interaction:
None

Timeline

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

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