Vulnerability Description
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. This issue is fixed in version 2026.7.4.
CVSS Score
HIGH
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Yt-Dlp Project | Yt-Dlp | < 2026.07.04 |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/commit/b6590aaa1e3808155d69c9a79a797ae484163789Patch
- https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/releases/tag/2026.07.04ProductRelease Notes
- https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/security/advisories/GHSA-6v4j-43gg-vj32MitigationVendor Advisory
FAQ
What is CVE-2026-55404?
CVE-2026-55404 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). 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 ...
How severe is CVE-2026-55404?
CVE-2026-55404 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-2026-55404?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Yt-Dlp Project Yt-Dlp.