CVE-2026-74888: openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 use a non-standard PBKDF2 key derivation construction with iterations=1

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HIGH 7.5REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-74888 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 a non-standard PBKDF2 key derivation construction with iterations=1 per call in an outer loop, creating a KDF whose security properties have not been formally analyzed. Attackers can exploit this weakened key derivation to more efficiently crack passwords protecting legacy encrypted files compared to standard PBKDF2 implementations.

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	0.3% (top 81%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-327
Published	2026-08-17
Last modified	2026-09-01

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: jahlives

Last updated 2026-09-01 · 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
2026-09-01 15:26 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-2026-74888?

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

Is CVE-2026-74888 being exploited?

CVE-2026-74888 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-2026-74888 affect?

CVE-2026-74888 affects openssl encrypt. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 use a non-standard PBKDF2 key derivation construction with iterations=1 per call in an outer loop, creating a KDF whose security properties have not been formally analyzed. Attackers can exploit this we

How urgent is CVE-2026-74888?

Priority 41/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; 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
CVE-2026-74881 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 configure CORS with allow_origins set to wildcard and allow_credentials

References

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