CVE-2026-81698: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') in jahlives openssl_encrypt
Description
openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 contain a shell injection vulnerability in the info command's reconstructed CLI block that interpolates untrusted metadata fields without quoting. Attackers can craft metadata values like pepper_name containing shell commands that execute when users copy the printed CLI block into a shell.
CVSS v4.0
Score 9.3critical
Affected software
jahlives
openssl_encrypt
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability in jahlives openssl_encrypt prior to version 1.4.9 involves improper neutralization of special elements in the info command's CLI block reconstruction. Specifically, untrusted metadata fields like pepper_name are interpolated without quoting, enabling OS command injection. This allows an attacker to execute arbitrary shell commands when a user copies and runs the printed CLI block in a shell environment.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary command execution on the system where the CLI block is executed, potentially compromising system integrity and confidentiality. The vulnerability is exploitable without privileges or user interaction beyond copying and executing the CLI block, making it highly critical.
Mitigation Recommendations
A fix is available in jahlives openssl_encrypt version 1.4.9 and later. Users should upgrade to version 1.4.9 or newer to remediate this vulnerability. Until upgraded, users should avoid copying and executing the CLI block containing untrusted metadata fields.
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.2
- Assigner Short Name
- VulnCheck
- Date Reserved
- 2026-08-27T11:12:29.817Z
- Cvss Version
- 4.0
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 6a906bb7acd9273b4983a25a
Added to database: 08/27/2026, 16:54:15 UTC
Last enriched: 10/02/2026, 15:56:03 UTC
Last updated: 10/09/2026, 18:48:23 UTC
Views: 48
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