CVE-2026-81680

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

OpenSSL Encrypt Recovery Slot Authentication Bypass

Publication date: 2026-08-27

Last updated on: 2026-09-03

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to authenticate recovery-slot presence in envelope-format encrypted files, allowing attackers to remove recovery slots without re-encrypting the payload. Attackers can modify the file header to delete recovery-slot fields and bypass authentication, silently removing recovery paths the owner deliberately added.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-08-27

Last Modified

2026-09-03

Generated

2026-09-17

AI Q&A

2026-08-27

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-15

NVD

CVE-2026-81680

EUVD

EUVD-2026-67036

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
jahlives	openssl_encrypt	to 1.4.9 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-347	The product does not verify, or incorrectly verifies, the cryptographic signature for data.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability affects openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9. It allows attackers to remove recovery slots from encrypted files without proper authentication by modifying the file header. This bypasses security measures and silently eliminates recovery paths set by the owner.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability affects openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9. To detect it, check the installed version of openssl_encrypt using the command: openssl_encrypt --version. If the version is below 1.4.9, the system is vulnerable. Additionally, inspect encrypted files for missing recovery-slot fields in their headers, which may indicate tampering.

Impact Analysis

Attackers could exploit this to remove recovery paths in encrypted files, potentially gaining unauthorized access or causing data loss. It undermines the integrity of encrypted data and could allow attackers to bypass security controls.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could impact compliance with GDPR and HIPAA by allowing unauthorized modification of encrypted files. Attackers can remove recovery slots without detection, potentially violating data integrity requirements. GDPR emphasizes data integrity and security, while HIPAA mandates protection against unauthorized changes to protected health information. The lack of authentication for recovery slots may lead to non-compliance if such changes go unnoticed.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade openssl_encrypt to version 1.4.9 or later to address the authentication bypass in recovery-slot handling.

Verify installed versions and update all affected systems to ensure recovery-slot fields are properly authenticated.

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