Vulnerability Description
openssl-encrypt before 1.4.9 fails to redact the file password in its --debug argv dump when the password is supplied via bundled short-option spellings (e.g. -apHunter2) or abbreviated long-option spellings (e.g. --passw). The sanitizer only recognized exact option names, --option=value forms, and tokens starting with -p, so these spellings bypass the redaction chokepoint and the cleartext password is written to stderr. Anyone with access to that output (terminal scrollback, merged 2>&1 output, CI job logs, or the GUI's persistent debug log) can recover the password.
CVSS Score
HIGH
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Jahlives | Openssl Encrypt | < 1.4.9 |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-jgvm-7jxv-cVendor Advisory
- https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-password-clearThird Party Advisory
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-81705?
CVE-2026-81705 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). openssl-encrypt before 1.4.9 fails to redact the file password in its --debug argv dump when the password is supplied via bundled short-option spellings (e.g. -apHunter2) or abbreviated long-option sp...
How severe is CVE-2026-81705?
CVE-2026-81705 has been rated HIGH with a CVSS base score of 7.5/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2026-81705?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Jahlives Openssl Encrypt.