CVE-2026-74874: openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 use Python's non-cryptographic random module for steganographic pixel se

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-74874 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) 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 1.4.0 use Python's non-cryptographic random module for steganographic pixel selection in the generate_pseudorandom_sequence function. Attackers who know the password can recover the Mersenne Twister state from approximately 624 outputs and predict pixel locations containing hidden data for extraction.

Why this priority

High severity
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 62%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-338
Published	2026-08-17
Last modified	2026-10-08

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: jahlives

Last updated 2026-10-08 · 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
2026-10-08 16:17 UTCUpdated Record last modified

jahlives openssl encrypt UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.4.0

Fixed in: 1.4.0

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

pip show openssl-encrypt

2. UPGRADE to 1.4.0

pip install --upgrade "openssl-encrypt>=1.4.0"

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-2026-74874?

openssl encrypt: upgrade to 1.4.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-74874 being exploited?

CVE-2026-74874 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-2026-74874 affect?

CVE-2026-74874 affects openssl encrypt. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 use Python's non-cryptographic random module for steganographic pixel selection in the generate_pseudorandom_sequence function. Attackers who know the password can recover the Mersenne Twister state fro

How urgent is CVE-2026-74874?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

OpenSSL vulnerabilities · Python 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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