CVE-2026-81683: openssl_encrypt (pip package openssl-encrypt) versions 1.4.8 and earlier store an mTLS client private key in c

Routine

HIGH 8.4WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-81683 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.4) affecting openssl encrypt. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

openssl_encrypt (pip package openssl-encrypt) versions 1.4.8 and earlier store an mTLS client private key in cleartext within a world-readable (0644) SharedPreferences file via the desktop GUI's Settings screen 'combined certificate and private key' PEM field. A local attacker with file system access can read the exposed private key. Version 1.4.9 writes the PEM to a dedicated 0600 file, keeps only its path in SharedPreferences, and migrates/scru

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.4 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.1% (top 100%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-312
Published	2026-08-27
Last modified	2026-09-02

Publisher (CNA): VulnCheck · Vendor: jahlives

Last updated 2026-09-02 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-08-27 17:20 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-09-02 13:12 UTCUpdated Record last modified

jahlives openssl encrypt UPGRADE

Affected: < 1.4.9

Fixed in: 1.4.9

Safe to downgrade to: no unaffected older release

1. Check installed version

pip show openssl-encrypt

2. UPGRADE to 1.4.9

pip install --upgrade "openssl-encrypt>=1.4.9"

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-2026-81683?

openssl encrypt: upgrade to 1.4.9. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-81683 being exploited?

CVE-2026-81683 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-2026-81683 affect?

CVE-2026-81683 affects openssl encrypt. Severity is high (CVSS 8.4). openssl_encrypt (pip package openssl-encrypt) versions 1.4.8 and earlier store an mTLS client private key in cleartext within a world-readable (0644) SharedPreferences file via the desktop GUI's Settings screen 'combined certificate and pri

How urgent is CVE-2026-81683?

Priority 34/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

OpenSSL vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

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CVE-2026-74880 CRITICAL 9.8 UPGRADE openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 accept refresh tokens as URL query parameters in keyserver and telemetry
CVE-2026-74892 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 contain a hardcoded default secret key in the standalone telemetry serve
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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