Python Library yt-dlp < 2026.7.4 Command Injection

high Nessus Plugin ID 327412

Synopsis

A Python library installed on the remote host is affected by a command injection vulnerability.

Description

The detected version of the yt-dlp Python package is prior to 2026.7.4. It is, therefore, affected by a command injection vulnerability. yt-dlp and youtube-dl are command-line audio/video downloaders. Prior to 2026.7.4, the
--write-link, --write-url-link, and --write-desktop-link options can write .url or .desktop shortcut files using attacker-controlled webpage_url or filename metadata without sufficient validation or escaping, allowing malicious file:// URI injection on Windows or newline-based desktop entry key injection on Linux that can execute commands if the generated shortcut is opened.

Note that Nessus has not tested for this issue but has instead relied only on the application's self-reported version number.

Solution

Upgrade to yt-dlp version 2026.7.4 or later.

Plugin Details

Severity: High

ID: 327412

File Name: python_yt_dlp_2026_7_4.nasl

Version: 1.1

Type: Local

Agent: windows, macosx, unix

Family: Misc.

Published: 7/16/2026

Updated: 7/16/2026

Configuration: Enable thorough checks (optional)

Supported Sensors: Nessus Agent, Nessus

Risk Information

VPR

Risk Factor: Medium

Score: 4.9

Percentile: 58.14

CVSS v2

Risk Factor: Critical

Base Score: 10

Vector: CVSS2#AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

CVSS Score Source: CVE-2026-55404

CVSS v3

Risk Factor: High

Base Score: 8.8

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Vulnerability Information

CPE: cpe:/a:yt-dlp_project:yt-dlp

Patch Publication Date: 7/4/2026

Vulnerability Publication Date: 7/4/2026

Reference Information

CVE: CVE-2026-55404

Detections

Analytics