# CVE-2026-81716: openssl-encrypt path traversal in PluginSandbox

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81716-openssl-encrypt-path-traversal-in-pluginsandbox  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-08-27. Updated: 2026-09-25  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2026-81716 · Severity: medium · CVSS 5.2 · Published 2026-08-27

openssl-encrypt is a Python library providing sandboxed plugin execution with file access restrictions. A flaw in the sandbox path validation allows plugins without READ_FILES permission to access sibling plugins' directories by exploiting a bare string-prefix match, compromising isolation between plugins running under the same user and potentially exposing sensitive plugin data.

Technologies: [Jahlives Openssl Encrypt](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/openssl-encrypt), [openssl-encrypt (PyPI)](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/pypi-openssl-encrypt). Vendors: [Jahlives](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/jahlives), [PyPI](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/pypi).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2026-81716 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2026-81716 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2026-81716?** Medium severity, with a CVSS score of 5.2, published 27 August 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Jahlives Openssl Encrypt before 1.4.9; openssl-encrypt (PyPI) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=0,fixed=1.4.9.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2026-81716?** Yes. openssl-encrypt (PyPI): upgrade to 1.4.9 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2026-81716 attacked?** It is attacked with local access.

**Am I affected by CVE-2026-81716?** Check whether you run Jahlives Openssl Encrypt or openssl-encrypt (PyPI) at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- openssl-encrypt (PyPI): upgrade to 1.4.9 or later

  ```sh
  pip install "openssl-encrypt>=1.4.9"
  ```


## Technical details

The vulnerability is a path traversal flaw in PluginSandbox._is_safe_path that performs a bare string-prefix match when authorizing file access, rather than validating complete directory paths. An attacker controlling a sandboxed plugin without the READ_FILES permission can craft a path that shares a name prefix with an allowed directory (e.g., accessing /plugins/foobar when /plugins/foo is whitelisted) to read or write files in another plugin's directory. This breaks the security model's per-plugin isolation guarantee. The fix validates each allowed directory as a complete match or with a trailing path separator. Patch available in version 1.4.9.

## Affected products

- jahlives openssl-encrypt before 1.4.9

## Identifiers

- CVE-2026-81716
- PYSEC-2026-3800

## Timeline

- 2026-08-27: disclosed: Vulnerability disclosed
- 2026-08-12: patched: Fixed in version 1.4.9

## References

- [https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-vr4h-5xqv-xxxf](https://github.com/jahlives/openssl_encrypt/security/advisories/GHSA-vr4h-5xqv-xxxf)
- [https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-plugin-sandbox-path-traversal](https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openssl-encrypt-before-1.4.9-plugin-sandbox-path-traversal)

## Related threats

- [openssl_encrypt KDF cost parameter validation bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81721-openssl-encrypt-kdf-cost-parameter-validation-bypass)
- [openssl_encrypt memory exhaustion in identity file protection block](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81720-openssl-encrypt-memory-exhaustion-in-identity-file-protection)
- [openssl_encrypt arbitrary code execution via plugin signature bypass](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81719-openssl-encrypt-arbitrary-code-execution-via-plugin-signature)
- [openssl_encrypt weak PBKDF2 parameters in keyfile encryption](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81718-openssl-encrypt-weak-pbkdf2-parameters-in-keyfile-encryption)
- [openssl_encrypt USB drive integrity bypass with fixed KDF salt](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-81717-openssl-encrypt-usb-drive-integrity-bypass-with-fixed-kdf-salt)