CVE-2026-74871

openssl_encrypt before 1.4.6 KDF Bypass via Sequential-XOR

MEDIUM
5.5
CVSS Score
Published: August 17, 2026 at 11:04 AM UTC
Updated: October 1, 2026 at 03:20 PM UTC
1 product affected across 1 vendorOpenSSL Encrypt

Using openssl_encrypt by jahlives?

Get instant alerts when new vulnerabilities affect openssl_encrypt - before attackers find them.

Real-time alertsTrack your software stackFree plan available
Severity
MEDIUM5.5
Exploit prediction
EPSS 0.1%
SSVC
No known exploit

Description

openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.6 contain a key derivation flaw in sequential XOR composition mode where the last stage cancels out during key generation. When configured with a single KDF and no prior hashing stage, attackers can bypass memory-hard key derivation and perform offline password cracking at SHA-256 speed instead of the configured KDF cost.

Affected

Our own answer: ranges merged, affected separated from platform-only, with confidence and review flags.

v < 1.4.6
Vendor states this is fixed in 1.4.6 (unaffected)

Remediation

No guide yet

No remediation guidance has been written for this CVE yet. What the record does show:

SSVC — Action Prioritization

SSVCNo known exploitNot automatablePartial impact

SSVC signals action urgency (what to patch first), separate from CVSS which measures severity.

CVSS

Attack Vector
LOCAL
Complexity
LOW
Privileges
LOW
User Interaction
NONE
Scope
UNCHANGED
Confidentiality
HIGH
Integrity
NONE
Availability
NONE
Vector?

Quick Info

StatusANALYZED
CWE
CWE-916

Get alerted

Stop reading CVE feeds looking for your own stack

Track the products you run and VulnTracker tells you when a new CVE affects them — with what is known about fixing it, and nothing about the rest.

Free plan, no card