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CVE-2026-81690

HIGH 8.7

Published 2026-08-27 · Last modified 2026-08-27

openssl-encrypt (pip package) before 1.4.9 contains a symlink-following flaw in its verify-usb v2 added-file allowlist scan. The scan enumerated the drive with rglob(), which in CPython does not descend into symlinked directories and treats the symlink as an ordinary directory, while O_NOFOLLOW on the hash side binds only the final path component. An evil-maid attacker with physical access to the removable drive could replace a tool-tree directory with a symlink to a copy containing byte-identical files plus a planted __pycache__/*.pyc file (which CPython loads in preference to recompiling the clean .py). The planted file is never enumerated, added_files stays 0, and verify-usb reports PASSED, resulting in code execution when the victim runs the portable install. Fixed in 1.4.9 (affects both 1.4.x and 1.5.x lines).

ELEVATED IMPACT

Severe if exploited (CVSS 8.7), but no known exploitation and low modeled probability. Patch on a normal cadence.

Exploitation likelihood

0.5%chance of exploitation in 30 days · 40th percentile

○ In CISA KEV ○ Public exploit / PoC

Impact if exploited

8.7CVSS 4.0 · HIGH

  • ConfidentialityHigh
  • IntegrityNone
  • AvailabilityNone

What an attacker needs

  • ✓Access: Reachable over the network — no local access needed
  • ✓Privileges: No account or privileges required
  • ✓User interaction: No user interaction needed
  • ✓Complexity: No special conditions — reliably repeatable
  • ✓Requirements: No special attack requirements

✓ lowers the bar for an attacker · ⚠ raises it

Proof of concept & exploit code

Test against your own equipment

curl -s https://vulnpedia.com/cve/CVE-2026-81690/poc.jsonMachine-readable PoC index for this CVE (for automation).

Listed for defensive triage, patch verification, and authorized testing on systems you own. Machine-readable: /cve/CVE-2026-81690/poc.json

Affected

Vendors Jahlives

Products Openssl Encrypt

Weakness (CWE)

  • CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')

CVSS vector

CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N

All CVSS metrics

  • HIGH 8.7 v4.0 · CNA Primary
    CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N
  • HIGH 7.3 v3.1 · CNA Primary
    CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:H
  • HIGH 8.7 v4.0 · NVD Secondary
    CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
  • HIGH 7.3 v3.1 · NVD Secondary
    CVSS:3.1/AV:P/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:H/A:H

References

Advisories

Sources: NVD · CVE.org · EPSS