CVE-2026-81703: openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to validate encryption status of embedded post-quantum private keys

Routine

MEDIUM 5.5WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-81703 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 5.5) 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 1.4.9 fail to validate encryption status of embedded post-quantum private keys in file metadata. Attackers can craft files with unencrypted embedded PQC keys that decrypt under any password, bypassing authentication and producing attacker-chosen plaintext with false integrity verification.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	5.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	Required
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 87%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-287
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 17:21 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-09-01 18:11 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-2026-81703?

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

Is CVE-2026-81703 being exploited?

CVE-2026-81703 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-2026-81703 affect?

CVE-2026-81703 affects openssl encrypt. Severity is medium (CVSS 5.5). openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to validate encryption status of embedded post-quantum private keys in file metadata. Attackers can craft files with unencrypted embedded PQC keys that decrypt under any password, bypassing authent

How urgent is CVE-2026-81703?

Priority 27/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

OpenSSL vulnerabilities

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References

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