CVE-2026-74871
When configured with a single KDF and no prior hashing stage, attackers can bypass memory-hard key derivation and perform offline password cracking at SHA-256 speed instead of the configured KDF cost.
Does this matter?
Lower severity and a low EPSS score (0.08%). Track it; it rarely justifies an emergency change on its own.
Description
openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.6 contain a key derivation flaw in sequential XOR composition mode where the last stage cancels out during key generation. When configured with a single KDF and no prior hashing stage, attackers can bypass memory-hard key derivation and perform offline password cracking at SHA-256 speed instead of the configured KDF cost.
- CVSS 4.0
- 6.9 MEDIUMCVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/M
- EPSS
- 0.08% probability · 0th percentile
- CISA KEV
- Not listed
- Weakness
- CWE-916
- Affected
- jahlives/openssl encrypt
- Source
- disclosure@vulncheck.com
References
- https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-vxf9-vwp6-2w43Mitigation, Vendor Advisory
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-kdf-bypass-via-sequential-xorThird Party Advisory
Source: NVD record, EPSS from FIRST.org, KEV from CISA. Refreshed daily.