CVE-2026-74891 in openssl_encrypt
Summary
by MITRE • 08/17/2026
openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0 contain hardcoded database credentials in standalone server configuration files. Attackers on the same network can access PostgreSQL databases using well-known default credentials to retrieve sensitive data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2026
The vulnerability identified in openssl_encrypt prior to version 1.4.0 represents a critical failure in secure software development practices, specifically concerning the management of secrets and credentials within application configurations. This flaw is rooted in the inclusion of hardcoded database credentials directly into standalone server configuration files that are distributed with the software package. By embedding sensitive authentication data such as usernames and passwords statically within the codebase or its associated configuration artifacts, the developers have created a persistent security weakness that persists regardless of how the system is deployed by end-users who may not be aware of this default state. This practice violates fundamental principles of secure coding which dictate that credentials must never be stored in plaintext within source control repositories or distribution packages, as they are inevitably exposed to anyone with access to those files.
From a technical perspective, the core issue lies in the use of well-known default credentials for PostgreSQL database connections when operating in standalone server mode. These defaults are often predictable and widely documented, making them easily discoverable by malicious actors without requiring any complex exploitation techniques or reverse engineering efforts. The vulnerability allows attackers who have network access to the same segment as the vulnerable openssl_encrypt instance to authenticate against the underlying PostgreSQL service using these default credentials. This effectively bypasses authentication controls entirely for anyone with local network connectivity, granting unauthorized read and potentially write access to the database contents depending on the privileges assigned to that specific user account in the configuration file.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, particularly in environments where sensitive data such as personal identifiable information, financial records, or proprietary business logic is stored within the PostgreSQL instance managed by openssl_encrypt. An attacker leveraging this flaw can exfiltrate large volumes of confidential data with minimal effort and risk detection through traditional intrusion prevention systems that do not inspect application-layer authentication attempts closely. Furthermore, if the default credentials possess administrative privileges or broader permissions than necessary for the application's function, an attacker could potentially modify database structures, inject malicious code via stored procedures, or even execute operating system commands depending on the PostgreSQL configuration settings such as pg_hba.conf rules and server-level trust relationships. This scenario aligns closely with CWE-798: Use of Hard-coded Credentials, which highlights the danger of embedding static authentication data in software products that is not changed during installation or deployment processes.
In terms of threat modeling and attack classification, this vulnerability facilitates unauthorized access to sensitive resources through weak credential management practices. It maps directly to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1078: Valid Accounts, where adversaries use legitimate credentials obtained from various sources such as phishing, brute force attacks, or in this case, hardcoding within the application itself. The attack vector is classified as network-based with local proximity requirements, meaning that physical isolation of the server does not protect against this specific flaw if an attacker can reach the network segment hosting the service. This underscores the importance of defense-in-depth strategies where even internal services must be secured against lateral movement and unauthorized access from adjacent hosts on the same subnet.
To mitigate this vulnerability, immediate action is required to remove all hardcoded credentials from configuration files distributed with openssl_encrypt versions before 1.4.0. Developers should implement a secure credential injection mechanism that requires administrators to provide unique, strong passwords during installation or initial setup rather than relying on static defaults. If upgrading to version 1.4.0 or later is not immediately feasible, organizations must manually audit and modify the standalone server configuration files to replace default credentials with complex, randomly generated strings that are stored securely outside of the application directory structure whenever possible. Additionally, network segmentation strategies should be employed to restrict access to PostgreSQL ports from unauthorized hosts within the local area network. Implementing strict firewall rules that limit connectivity to only trusted management IPs can significantly reduce the attack surface even if credential rotation is delayed due to operational constraints. Regular security audits and static analysis tools configured to detect hard-coded secrets in source code repositories are also recommended to prevent similar issues in future releases of openssl_encrypt or other software components within the organization's technology stack.