---
id: CVE-2026-81703
aliases:
  - PYSEC-2026-3779
  - GHSA-qqfq-g2cv-j7v3
title: >-
  openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to validate encryption status of
  embedded post-quantum private keys in file metadata. Attacker…
summary: >-
  openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to validate encryption status of
  embedded post-quantum private keys in file metadata. Attackers can craft files
  with unencrypted embedded PQC keys that decrypt under any password, bypassing
  auth…
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-2026-3779'
references:
  - url: >-
      https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-qqfq-g2cv-j7v3
  - url: >-
      https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-authentication-bypass-via-unencrypted-pqc-key
tags:
  - osv
  - pip
epss: 0.00223
epssPercentile: 0.1159
ingestedAt: '2026-09-02T19:31:26.197Z'
---

## Overview

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to validate encryption status of embedded post-quantum private keys in file metadata. Attackers can craft files with unencrypted embedded PQC keys that decrypt under any password, bypassing authentication and producing attacker-chosen plaintext with false integrity verification.

## Affected packages

- `openssl-encrypt < 1.4.9`

## Remediation

Upgrade to a patched release:

- `openssl-encrypt 1.4.9`