---
id: CVE-2026-81688
aliases:
  - PYSEC-2026-3795
  - GHSA-7c3q-gp4v-q29q
title: >-
  openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 store an unkeyed SHA-256 hash of the
  plaintext in the cleartext file header metadata. Attackers can…
summary: >-
  openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 store an unkeyed SHA-256 hash of the
  plaintext in the cleartext file header metadata. Attackers can read this hash
  without the password to confirm guessed plaintexts offline or fingerprint
  identical …
severity: none
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: '2026-09-03'
source: OSV
sourceUrl: 'https://osv.dev/vulnerability/PYSEC-2026-3795'
references:
  - url: >-
      https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-7c3q-gp4v-q29q
  - url: >-
      https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-plaintext-confirmation-oracle-via-sha-256
tags:
  - osv
  - pip
epss: 0.00272
epssPercentile: 0.17533
ingestedAt: '2026-09-03T19:32:12.111Z'
---

## Overview

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 store an unkeyed SHA-256 hash of the plaintext in the cleartext file header metadata. Attackers can read this hash without the password to confirm guessed plaintexts offline or fingerprint identical plaintexts across separately-encrypted files.

## Affected packages

- `openssl-encrypt < 1.4.9`

## Remediation

Upgrade to a patched release:

- `openssl-encrypt 1.4.9`