CVE-2026-81699

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.9 fail to properly validate key derivation function costs in crafted files, allowing attackers to trigger unbounded memory and CPU exhaustion during pre-authentication processing. Attackers can supply malicious files with excessive KDF parameters to exhaust system resources and crash or wedge the process before password verification occurs.

  • Published Aug 27, 2026
  • CVSS 8.7 high
  • 0.5% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS)
  • A fix is available

Affected software

CVE-2026-81699 at the National Vulnerability Database