Symlink Directory Traversal Vulnerability in OpenSSL Encrypt by GitHub
CVE-2026-81690

8.7HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Jahlives

Status
OpenSSL Encrypt
Vendor
CVE Published:
27 August 2026

What is CVE-2026-81690?

The openssl-encrypt pip package contains a significant vulnerability due to a flaw in its verify-usb v2 added-file allowlist scan. This flaw arises from the way the package enumerates the drive using the rglob() method, which fails to properly handle symlinked directories. An attacker with physical access can exploit this by replacing a legitimate directory with a symlink to a malicious directory containing harmful files. This can lead to code execution when the compromised package is run. The issue is present in versions prior to 1.4.9 and impacts both the 1.4.x and 1.5.x lines.

Affected Version(s)

openssl_encrypt 0 < 1.4.9

openssl_encrypt 1.4.9

References

https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advi...
vendor-advisory
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/verify-usb-before-1....
third-party-advisory

CVSS V4

Score:
8.7
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
High
Integrity:
None
Availability:
None
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Attack Required:
None
Privileges Required:
Undefined
User Interaction:
None

Timeline

  • Vulnerability published

  • Vulnerability Reserved

.