CVE-2026-50023

8.3 HIGH 0.7% exploit odds Fix listed Other

What it is

yt-dlp is a command-line audio/video downloader. Prior to 2026.06.09, a vulnerability exists in yt-dlp that allows a remote attacker to write arbitrary OS-shortcut files (such as .desktop, .url, .webloc) to the user's filesystem, bypassing the remediation for CVE-2024-38519. The allowlist explicitly included the unsafe extensions .desktop, .url, and .webloc so that the functionality of the --write-link option (and its variants) could be preserved. These allowlist inclusions can be exploited by an attacker to write malicious OS-shortcut files in the context of a media or subtitles download. This vulnerability is fixed in 2026.06.09.

At a glance

Exploitability: Can be exploited over the network without logging in, but needs a user to act. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.
Exploit odds: 0.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Fix: A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

2026-06-23 17:17 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2026-06-26 20:12 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
Exploit odds: 0.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
Severity: 8.3 HIGH (CVSS).
Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published: 2026-06-23 17:17 UTC
Last modified: 2026-06-26 20:12 UTC
Exploit probability: 0.7% · EPSS, next 30 days
Weakness: CWE-641
Record status: Analyzed

Affected

yt-dlp Project yt-dlp < 2026.06.09

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 8.3

Attack vector: Network
Complexity: High
Privileges needed: None
User interaction: Required
Scope: Changed
Confidentiality: High
Integrity: High
Availability: High

Raw vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-50023.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-50023. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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Fix and advisories

References

NVD record · CVE.org record