openssl_encrypt: Protection Mechanism Failure
CVE-2026-74895 is a critical-severity protection mechanism failure vulnerability in openssl_encrypt from Jahlives, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 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 0.68% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 53% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
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
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vulncheck.com).
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 9.3 | Critical | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CNA (vulncheck.com) |
Official description
openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 fail to apply sandbox restrictions in the default process isolation mode for plugin execution. Attackers can execute malicious plugins with unrestricted access to the filesystem, network, subprocess execution, and all Python modules.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Protection Mechanism Failure
The product does not use or incorrectly uses a protection mechanism that provides sufficient defense against directed attacks against the product.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- 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 Protection Mechanism Failure vulnerabilities
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.7 High severity
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