---
id: CVE-2026-81680
aliases:
  - PYSEC-2026-3957
  - GHSA-grhj-cpmg-f5mx
title: >-
  openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to authenticate recovery-slot
  presence in envelope-format encrypted files, allowing attackers …
summary: >-
  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 …
severity: medium
cvss: 5.3
cvssVector: 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N'
vendor: openssl-encrypt
product: openssl-encrypt
ecosystem: pip
affected:
  - openssl-encrypt < 1.4.9
patched:
  - openssl-encrypt 1.4.9
published: '2026-08-27'
updated: '2026-09-10'
sourceUpdated: '2026-09-10T13:00:04.168780900Z'
source: OSV
sourceUrl: 'https://osv.dev/vulnerability/PYSEC-2026-3957'
references:
  - url: >-
      https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-grhj-cpmg-f5mx
  - url: >-
      https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-authentication-bypass-via-recovery-slot-removal
tags:
  - osv
  - pip
epss: 0.00204
epssPercentile: 0.09227
ingestedAt: '2026-09-12T03:13:01.743Z'
---

## Overview

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.

## Affected packages

- `openssl-encrypt < 1.4.9`

## Remediation

Upgrade to a patched release:

- `openssl-encrypt 1.4.9`