CVE-2026-55404

What it is

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.

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

0.6% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-07-08 20:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-07-13 17:01 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-07-08 20:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-07-13 17:01 UTC

Exploit probability

0.6% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-74

Record status

Analyzed

Affected

• yt-dlp Project yt-dlp < 2026.07.04

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High