CVE-2026-74894: openssl_encrypt before 1.4.0 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in the verify_api_token function

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-74894 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting openssl encrypt. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

openssl_encrypt before 1.4.0 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in the verify_api_token function that accepts any non-empty Bearer token string without validation. Attackers can upload arbitrary public keys, enumerate all keys, and revoke keys belonging to any user by providing any Bearer token in the Authorization header.

Why this priority

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

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 49%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-287
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 15:25 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-2026-74894?

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

Is CVE-2026-74894 being exploited?

CVE-2026-74894 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-2026-74894 affect?

CVE-2026-74894 affects openssl encrypt. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). openssl_encrypt before 1.4.0 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in the verify_api_token function that accepts any non-empty Bearer token string without validation. Attackers can upload arbitrary public keys, enumerate all keys,

How urgent is CVE-2026-74894?

Priority 57/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

OpenSSL vulnerabilities

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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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