openssl_encrypt: Generation of Error Message Containing Sensitive Information
CVE-2026-74879 is a high-severity generation of error message containing sensitive information vulnerability in openssl_encrypt from Jahlives, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 1.4.0 as the first without the flaw, so updating openssl_encrypt to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.44% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update openssl_encrypt to 1.4.0 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jahlives | openssl_encrypt | before 1.4.0 | 1.4.0 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 8.7 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 contain an information disclosure vulnerability in the /ready endpoint that returns full database exception strings to unauthenticated callers. Attackers can trigger database errors to extract sensitive information including hostnames, IP addresses, connection parameters, and potentially credentials from exception messages.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Generation of Error Message Containing Sensitive Information
The product generates an error message that includes sensitive information about its environment, users, or associated data.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Handle exceptions internally and do not display errors containing potentially sensitive information to a user.
- Use naming conventions and strong types to make it easier to spot when sensitive data is being used. When creating structures, objects, or other complex entities, separate the sensitive and non-sensitive data as much as possible.
- Debugging information should not make its way into a production release.
More Generation of Error Message Containing Sensitive Information vulnerabilities (CWE-209)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Third-party and government advisories
Other vulnerabilities in openssl_encrypt
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.0 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Generation of Error Message Containing Sensitive Information vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
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