Vulnerability · Published Aug 27, 2026 · Assigned by VulnCheck

CVE-2026-81701openssl_encrypt before 1.4.9 Arbitrary Code Execution via unsigned plugin

Critical 9.8

In plain English

A critical-severity security flaw in openssl_encrypt from jahlives. There are no confirmed reports of exploitation so far. The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 0.4% (higher than 37% of all known vulnerabilities). Fixed versions are available - upgrade the affected package.

Severity (CVSS 3.1)9.8Critical

Exploit odds (30 days)0.4%top 63.0% of all CVEs

Exploited in the wildNo reportsCISA SSVC: none

Attack toolingNoneno public tooling known

Official description

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.

Affected packages & fixed versions

Ecosystem	Package	Fixed in	Advisory
PyPI	openssl-encrypt	1.4.9	PYSEC-2026-3778

Affected products (as reported)

Vendor	Product	Versions
jahlives	openssl_encrypt	0 – before 1.4.9

Weakness: CWE-347 · Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References

GitHub Security Advisory (GHSA-wxx9-p55f-wm34) vendor-advisory
VulnCheck Advisory: openssl_encrypt before 1.4.9 Arbitrary Code Execution via unsigned plugin third-party-advisory