Configuration Flaw in OpenSSL Encrypt Affects Data Security
CVE-2026-81697

8.7HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Jahlives

Status
OpenSSL Encrypt
Vendor
CVE Published:
27 August 2026

What is CVE-2026-81697?

OpenSSL Encrypt versions up to 1.4.8 contain a critical misconfiguration in crypt_settings.py where the CONFIG_FILE path is improperly set, allowing attackers to exploit the Tk GUI settings. This flaw enables unintended reading and writing of Key Derivation Function (KDF) settings from a potentially malicious crypt_settings.json file located in the current working directory, significantly weakening encryption security. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to downgrade encryption methods and launch brute-force attacks on sensitive data, emphasizing the need to upgrade to version 1.4.9 or later.

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/openssl-encrypt-befo...
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

.