# CVE-2026-81681

## Summary

- **CVE ID:** CVE-2026-81681
- **Severity:** CRITICAL
- **CVSS Score:** 9.3 (CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N)
- **CWE:** CWE-311
- **Published:** Aug 27, 2026
- **Last Modified:** Aug 27, 2026

## Description

openssl_encrypt (pip package openssl-encrypt) versions <= 1.4.8 advertise a portable USB workspace as an 'Encrypted USB Workspace' with AES-256-GCM encryption and write a marker declaring the workspace encrypted, but the workspace directory is actually stored in cleartext and the derived encryption key is never applied to it. A user who trusts the branding and places files in the workspace leaves them unencrypted on the removable media, so an attacker with physical access to the media can read the sensitive files. Fixed in 1.4.9, which seals the workspace into an authenticated AES-256-GCM vault.

## Affected Products

- jahlives — openssl_encrypt (0)
- jahlives — openssl_encrypt (1.4.9)

## References

- [CNA](https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-2jv6-qqfm-m46m)
- [CNA](https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-false-encryption-via-cleartext-storage)

## Exploitation Prediction (EPSS)

- **EPSS Score:** 0.13%
- **EPSS Percentile:** 3.0

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_Exported from OnDuty AI Vulnerability Intelligence on 2026-09-09._