---
id: CVE-2026-81701
aliases:
  - PYSEC-2026-3778
  - GHSA-wxx9-p55f-wm34
title: >-
  openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 use a denylist to identify trusted
  built-in plugins, allowing unsigned plugins in top-level plugins…
summary: >-
  openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 use a denylist to identify trusted
  built-in plugins, allowing unsigned plugins in top-level plugins/ directories
  and unknown subdirectories to bypass signature verification. Attackers can
  place malic…
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: '2026-09-02'
source: OSV
sourceUrl: 'https://osv.dev/vulnerability/PYSEC-2026-3778'
references:
  - url: >-
      https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-wxx9-p55f-wm34
  - url: >-
      https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-arbitrary-code-execution-via-unsigned-plugin
tags:
  - osv
  - pip
epss: 0.00426
epssPercentile: 0.34109
ingestedAt: '2026-09-02T19:31:26.156Z'
---

## Overview

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 use a denylist to identify trusted built-in plugins, allowing unsigned plugins in top-level plugins/ directories and unknown subdirectories to bypass signature verification. Attackers can place malicious unsigned plugins following documented installation paths to achieve arbitrary code execution in the CLI process with access to passwords and cryptographic keys.

## Affected packages

- `openssl-encrypt < 1.4.9`

## Remediation

Upgrade to a patched release:

- `openssl-encrypt 1.4.9`