CVE-2026-81701: Improper Verification of Cryptographic Signature in jahlives openssl_encrypt
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.
CVSS v4.0
Score 9.3critical
Affected software
jahlives
openssl_encrypt
AI-Powered Analysis
Machine-generated threat intelligence
Technical Analysis
The vulnerability arises from improper verification of cryptographic signatures in jahlives openssl_encrypt versions prior to 1.4.9. The software relies on a denylist to identify trusted plugins, which can be circumvented by placing unsigned malicious plugins in documented installation paths under top-level plugins/ directories or unknown subdirectories. This bypass of signature verification can lead to arbitrary code execution in the command-line interface process, granting attackers access to sensitive credentials and cryptographic material.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the CLI process of openssl_encrypt, potentially compromising passwords and cryptographic keys. This represents a critical security risk as it undermines the integrity and confidentiality of cryptographic operations and sensitive data handled by the software.
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. No alternative mitigations are indicated in the provided data.
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: 6a906bb7acd9273b4983a260
Added to database: 08/27/2026, 16:54:15 UTC
Last enriched: 10/02/2026, 15:56:13 UTC
Last updated: 10/09/2026, 18:48:23 UTC
Views: 53
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