CVE-2026-74871: openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.6 contain a key derivation flaw in sequential XOR composition mode where t

Routine

MEDIUM 6.2WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-74871 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.2) affecting openssl encrypt. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.6 contain a key derivation flaw in sequential XOR composition mode where the last stage cancels out during key generation. When configured with a single KDF and no prior hashing stage, attackers can bypass memory-hard key derivation and perform offline password cracking at SHA-256 speed instead of the configured KDF cost.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.2 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 99%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-916
Published	2026-08-17
Last modified	2026-09-10

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: jahlives

Last updated 2026-09-10 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-08-17 11:16 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-09-10 16:56 UTCUpdated Record last modified

jahlives openssl encrypt UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.4.6

Fixed in: 1.4.6

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

pip show openssl-encrypt

2. UPGRADE to 1.4.6

pip install --upgrade "openssl-encrypt>=1.4.6"

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-74871?

openssl encrypt: upgrade to 1.4.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-74871 being exploited?

CVE-2026-74871 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-74871 affect?

CVE-2026-74871 affects openssl encrypt. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.2). openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.6 contain a key derivation flaw in sequential XOR composition mode where the last stage cancels out during key generation. When configured with a single KDF and no prior hashing stage, attackers can bypas

How urgent is CVE-2026-74871?

Priority 27/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

OpenSSL vulnerabilities

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CVE-2026-74890 MEDIUM 5.5 UPGRADE openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability in CamelliaCipher that di
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References

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