Vulnerability · Published Aug 27, 2026 · Assigned by VulnCheck

CVE-2026-81703openssl_encrypt before 1.4.9 Authentication Bypass via Unencrypted PQC Key

Medium 5.5

In plain English

A medium-severity improper authentication 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 0.2% (higher than 13% of all known vulnerabilities). Fixed versions are available - upgrade the affected package.

Severity (CVSS 3.1)5.5Medium

Exploit odds (30 days)0.2%top 87.0% of all CVEs

Exploited in the wildNo reportsCISA SSVC: none

Attack toolingNoneno public tooling known

Official description

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 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.

Affected packages & fixed versions

Ecosystem	Package	Fixed in	Advisory
PyPI	openssl-encrypt	1.4.9	PYSEC-2026-3779

Affected products (as reported)

Vendor	Product	Versions
jahlives	openssl_encrypt	0 – before 1.4.9

Weakness: CWE-287 · Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N

References

GitHub Security Advisory (GHSA-qqfq-g2cv-j7v3) vendor-advisory
VulnCheck Advisory: openssl_encrypt before 1.4.9 Authentication Bypass via Unencrypted PQC Key third-party-advisory