CVE-2026-81705: openssl-encrypt before 1.4.9 fails to redact the file password in its --debug argv dump when the password is s

This month

HIGH 7.5REMOTEWATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-81705 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting openssl encrypt. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

openssl-encrypt before 1.4.9 fails to redact the file password in its --debug argv dump when the password is supplied via bundled short-option spellings (e.g. -apHunter2) or abbreviated long-option spellings (e.g. --passw). The sanitizer only recognized exact option names, --option=value forms, and tokens starting with -p, so these spellings bypass the redaction chokepoint and the cleartext password is written to stderr. Anyone with access to tha

Why this priority

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

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.4% (top 62%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-532
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 17:59 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-2026-81705?

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

Is CVE-2026-81705 being exploited?

CVE-2026-81705 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-2026-81705 affect?

CVE-2026-81705 affects openssl encrypt. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). openssl-encrypt before 1.4.9 fails to redact the file password in its --debug argv dump when the password is supplied via bundled short-option spellings (e.g. -apHunter2) or abbreviated long-option spellings (e.g. --passw). The sanitizer on

How urgent is CVE-2026-81705?

Priority 46/100. High severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action; On your watchlist

Software pages

OpenSSL vulnerabilities

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References

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