CVE-2026-81690: openssl-encrypt (pip package) before 1.4.9 contains a symlink-following flaw in its verify-usb v2 added-file a

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HIGH 7.3WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-81690 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.3) 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) before 1.4.9 contains a symlink-following flaw in its verify-usb v2 added-file allowlist scan. The scan enumerated the drive with rglob(), which in CPython does not descend into symlinked directories and treats the symlink as an ordinary directory, while O_NOFOLLOW on the hash side binds only the final path component. An evil-maid attacker with physical access to the removable drive could replace a tool-tree director

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.3 (High)
Attack vector	Physical
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.7% (top 47%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-59
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 13:10 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-2026-81690?

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

Is CVE-2026-81690 being exploited?

CVE-2026-81690 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-2026-81690 affect?

CVE-2026-81690 affects openssl encrypt. Severity is high (CVSS 7.3). openssl-encrypt (pip package) before 1.4.9 contains a symlink-following flaw in its verify-usb v2 added-file allowlist scan. The scan enumerated the drive with rglob(), which in CPython does not descend into symlinked directories and treats

How urgent is CVE-2026-81690?

Priority 44/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

OpenSSL vulnerabilities

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References

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