CVE-2026-81701 openssl_encrypt before 1.4.9 Arbitrary Code Execution via unsigned plugin

Critical 9.3 Published 27 Aug 2026 Updated 1 Oct 2026

Attackers can bypass signature verification to execute arbitrary code and access sensitive keys by installing malicious unsigned plugins.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: Available

What is CVE-2026-81701?

CVE-2026-81701 is a critical vulnerability in Jahlives Openssl Encrypt, published on 27 Aug 2026. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, with no action from the victim.

Official 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.

Weakness: CWE-347

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-81701?

1 open source package ship an affected version, including openssl-encrypt. It affects 1 product.

Package	Affected	Fixed in
`openssl-encrypt` PyPI	All versions	`1.4.9`

Products include Jahlives Openssl Encrypt.

How do I fix CVE-2026-81701?

Upgrade openssl-encrypt to 1.4.9 or later.

Is CVE-2026-81701 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-81701 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Jahlives Openssl Encrypt vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-v96c-j8xv-7h9q, GHSA-wxx9-p55f-wm34, PYSEC-2026-3778.