CVE-2026-74893: openssl_encrypt before 1.4.0 JWT Token Forgery via Hardcoded Secrets

Published Aug 17, 2026
·
Updated

opensslencrypt versions before 1.4.0 contain hardcoded default JWT signing secrets in config.py that pass validation checks. Attackers with access to source code can forge valid JWT tokens for any clientid to gain authenticated access to keyserver and telemetry APIs.

Affected Software

1 affected component
OpenSSL OpenSSL<1.4.0

Remediation

Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.

  1. Upgrade

    Upgrade openssl_encrypt to a version that resolves this vulnerability.

    Fixed in 1.4.0
  2. Compensating control

    Use a hardened JWT signing configuration: remove/replace any hardcoded default JWT signing secrets in config.py so forged JWT tokens cannot be validated (openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 use hardcoded default secrets in config.py).

Event History

Aug 17, 2026
CVE Published
via MITRE·11:04 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·11:04 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2026-74893?

The severity of CVE-2026-74893 is rated as high with a score of 8.8.

2

How do I fix CVE-2026-74893?

To fix CVE-2026-74893, upgrade OpenSSL_encrypt to version 1.4.0 or later, where the hardcoded JWT secrets are removed.

3

What is the risk associated with CVE-2026-74893?

The risk associated with CVE-2026-74893 is that attackers can forge valid JWT tokens and gain unauthorized access to keyserver and telemetry APIs.

4

Who is affected by CVE-2026-74893?

CVE-2026-74893 affects users of OpenSSL_encrypt versions prior to 1.4.0 who utilize JWT tokens.

5

What can attackers do with CVE-2026-74893?

Attackers with access to the source code can exploit CVE-2026-74893 to create forged JWT tokens for any client_id.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203