CVE-2026-81703

high

Description

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to validate encryption status of embedded post-quantum private keys in file metadata. Attackers can craft files with unencrypted embedded PQC keys that decrypt under any password, bypassing authentication and producing attacker-chosen plaintext with false integrity verification.

References

https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-authentication-bypass-via-unencrypted-pqc-key

https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-qqfq-g2cv-j7v3

Details

Source: Mitre, NVD

Published: 2026-08-27

Updated: 2026-08-28

Risk Information

CVSS v2

Base Score: 4.9

Vector: CVSS2#AV:L/AC:L/Au:N/C:N/I:C/A:N

Severity: Medium

CVSS v3

Base Score: 5.5

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N

Severity: Medium

CVSS v4

Base Score: 8.7

Vector: CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N

Severity: High

EPSS

EPSS: 0.00166