VulnerabilityAnalyzed

CVE-2026-81703

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.

HIGH 8.7EPSS 0.16%

Does this matter?

High impact if exploited, but EPSS currently rates exploitation as unlikely (0.16%). Schedule it in the normal patch cycle and watch for a rise in EPSS or a public exploit.

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.

CVSS 4.0: 8.7 HIGHCVSS:4.0/AV:N/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: 0.16% probability · 5th percentile
CISA KEV: Not listed
Weakness: CWE-287
Affected: jahlives/openssl encrypt
Source: disclosure@vulncheck.com

References

https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-qqfq-g2cv-j7v3Vendor Advisory
https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-authentication-bypass-via-unencrypted-pqc-keyThird Party Advisory

Source: NVD record, EPSS from FIRST.org, KEV from CISA. Refreshed daily.