CVE-2026-81680

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to authenticate recovery-slot presence in envelope-format encrypted files, allowing attackers to remove recovery slots without re-encrypting the payload. Attackers can modify the file header to delete recovery-slot fields and bypass authentication, silently removing recovery paths the owner deliberately added.

  • Published Aug 27, 2026
  • CVSS 9.3 critical
  • 0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS)
  • A fix is available

Affected software

CVE-2026-81680 at the National Vulnerability Database