CVE-2026-81706 openssl_encrypt before 1.4.9 Key Substitution via Identity Shadowing

Critical 9.3 Published 27 Aug 2026 Updated 1 Oct 2026

Attackers can silently substitute encryption keys via namespace collisions, allowing unauthorized decryption of files when own identities are deleted.

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

What is CVE-2026-81706?

CVE-2026-81706 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 before 1.4.9 fails to prevent namespace collisions between own identities and contacts in IdentityStore, allowing attackers to create shadowed contact entries invisible until the corresponding own identity is deleted. When the own identity is deleted, the shadowed contact becomes visible and resolves to the attacker's keys, enabling silent key substitution for encrypted files.

Weakness: CWE-345

Which versions are affected by CVE-2026-81706?

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-2026-81706?

Upgrade openssl-encrypt to 1.4.9 or later.

Is CVE-2026-81706 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2026-81706 in the wild and no public exploit code.

All Jahlives Openssl Encrypt vulnerabilities

Sources

Also known as GHSA-8gmx-w9m8-vx7q, GHSA-q473-r68q-32vq, PYSEC-2026-3781.