CVE-2026-81685

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

OpenSSL Encrypt GUI Slot Metadata Injection Vulnerability

Publication date: 2026-08-27

Last updated on: 2026-09-02

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to sanitize recovery-slot metadata in the desktop GUI, allowing attackers to inject control characters and line separators into the irreversible-removal confirmation dialog. Attackers can craft encrypted files with malicious slot identifiers containing bidi overrides or line-separator characters to forge warning text and deceive users during file removal operations.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-08-27

Last Modified

2026-09-02

Generated

2026-09-17

AI Q&A

2026-08-27

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-15

NVD

CVE-2026-81685

EUVD

EUVD-2026-67041

Affected Vendors & Products

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

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-116	The product prepares a structured message for communication with another component, but encoding or escaping of the data is either missing or done incorrectly. As a result, the intended structure of the message is not preserved.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability affects the desktop GUI of openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9. Attackers can inject control characters and line separators into the irreversible-removal confirmation dialog by crafting encrypted files with malicious recovery-slot metadata containing bidi overrides or line-separator characters. This forges warning text and deceives users during file removal operations.

Detection Guidance

Check the version of openssl_encrypt installed on your system. If it is version 1.4.8 or earlier, the system is vulnerable. Run: openssl_encrypt --version or check package managers like npm or pip depending on installation method.

Impact Analysis

An attacker could trick you into confirming an irreversible file removal by displaying fake warning text in the dialog. This could lead to unintended data loss if you follow the forged instructions.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability does not directly affect compliance with GDPR or HIPAA as it involves user interface manipulation in a desktop application rather than data exposure or unauthorized access. However, if the forged removal dialog leads to unintended data deletion, it could potentially violate principles of data integrity and accountability under these regulations.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade openssl_encrypt to version 1.4.9 or later immediately. If upgrading is not possible, avoid using the desktop GUI for irreversible operations and inspect any encrypted files for suspicious slot identifiers before processing.

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