CVE-2026-81685: Improper Encoding (CVSS 3.3)

Description

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to sanitize recovery-slot metadata in the desktop GUI, allowing attackers to inject control characters and line separators into the irreversible-removal confirmation dialog. Attackers can craft encrypted files with malicious slot identifiers containing bidi overrides or line-separator characters to forge warning text and deceive users during file removal operations.

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CVSS v3.1 Score

3.3

LOW

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N

EPSS — Exploit Prediction

0.0025

Probability of exploitation

0.15%

Percentile rank

EPSS estimates the probability that this vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. A higher score means more likely to be exploited.

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-116 CWE-116

References

Other References

https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-49h2-qmcq-wvvc https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-text-injection-via-recovery-slot-metadata

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-81685? +

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to sanitize recovery-slot metadata in the desktop GUI, allowing attackers to inject control characters and line separators into the irreversible-removal confirmation dialog. Attackers can craft encrypted files with malicious slot identifiers containing bidi overrides or line-separator characters to forge warning text and deceive users during file removal operations. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 3.3 (LOW).

How severe is CVE-2026-81685? +

CVE-2026-81685 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 3.3 out of 10, rated LOW. This is a low-severity vulnerability with limited impact. The EPSS score is 0.0025, placing it in the 0th percentile for exploitation probability.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2026-81685? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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