CVE-2026-81698

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

OpenSSL encrypt shell injection via untrusted metadata fields

Publication date: 2026-08-27

Last updated on: 2026-09-01

Assigner: VulnCheck

Description

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 contain a shell injection vulnerability in the info command's reconstructed CLI block that interpolates untrusted metadata fields without quoting. Attackers can craft metadata values like pepper_name containing shell commands that execute when users copy the printed CLI block into a shell.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-08-27

Last Modified

2026-09-01

Generated

2026-09-17

AI Q&A

2026-08-27

EPSS Evaluated

2026-09-15

NVD

CVE-2026-81698

EUVD

EUVD-2026-67054

Affected Vendors & Products

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

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-78	The product constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command when it is sent to a downstream component.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a shell injection flaw in openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9. The info command reconstructs a CLI block by inserting untrusted metadata fields like pepper_name directly into shell commands without proper quoting. Attackers can inject malicious shell commands into these fields, which execute when users copy and paste the reconstructed command into a shell.

Detection Guidance

Check if the openssl_encrypt package version is 1.4.8 or earlier. Run: openssl_encrypt --version. If the version is vulnerable, inspect metadata fields like pepper_name, hsm_plugin, and algorithm for suspicious values containing shell commands or special characters.

Impact Analysis

If you use a vulnerable version of openssl_encrypt, an attacker could craft malicious metadata values that execute arbitrary code on your system when you copy and paste the info command output into a shell. This could lead to unauthorized system access, data theft, or further compromise of your environment.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially exposing sensitive data. For GDPR, it may violate Article 32 (security of processing) if personal data is compromised. For HIPAA, it could breach the Security Rule (45 CFR Part 164) by allowing unauthorized access to protected health information.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade openssl_encrypt to version 1.4.9 or later immediately. Avoid copying and pasting CLI blocks generated by the info command until the upgrade is complete. Review and sanitize metadata fields for any injected commands.

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