Vulnerability Description
openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 contain a critical vulnerability in pqc.py where KEM decapsulation failures silently fall back to simulation mode, generating a deterministic shared secret from only 16 bytes of the private key and publicly available encapsulated key data. Attackers who obtain 16 bytes of the private key can compute the shared secret and decrypt all ciphertext, as the fallback triggers on any KEM failure without raising an error.
CVSS Score
CRITICAL
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Jahlives | Openssl Encrypt | < 1.4.0 |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-p3gq-pcg9-qMitigationVendor Advisory
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-weak-shared-secret-vThird Party Advisory
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-74900?
CVE-2026-74900 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.8 (CRITICAL). openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 contain a critical vulnerability in pqc.py where KEM decapsulation failures silently fall back to simulation mode, generating a deterministic shared secret from o...
How severe is CVE-2026-74900?
CVE-2026-74900 has been rated CRITICAL with a CVSS base score of 9.8/10. This is considered a critical vulnerability requiring immediate attention.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-74900?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Jahlives Openssl Encrypt.