CVE-2026-81696: openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to sanitize terminal control characters in file metadata printed by

Routine

LOW 3.3WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-81696 is a low-severity flaw (CVSS 3.3) 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 1.4.9 fail to sanitize terminal control characters in file metadata printed by the info command. Attackers can craft malicious files containing escape sequences to repaint terminal output and forge verification information displayed to users.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	3.3 (Low)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 84%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-117
Published	2026-08-27
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

2026-08-27 17:20 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-09-01 20:21 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-2026-81696?

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

Is CVE-2026-81696 being exploited?

CVE-2026-81696 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-2026-81696 affect?

CVE-2026-81696 affects openssl encrypt. Severity is low (CVSS 3.3). openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to sanitize terminal control characters in file metadata printed by the info command. Attackers can craft malicious files containing escape sequences to repaint terminal output and forge verificati

How urgent is CVE-2026-81696?

Priority 21/100. 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
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References

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