CVE-2024-38519

yt-dlp and youtube-dl vulnerable to file system modification and RCE through improper file-extension sanitization

Description

`yt-dlp` and `youtube-dl` are command-line audio/video downloaders. Prior to the fixed versions, `yt-dlp` and `youtube-dl` do not limit the extensions of downloaded files, which could lead to arbitrary filenames being created in the download folder (and path traversal on Windows). Since `yt-dlp` and `youtube-dl` also read config from the working directory (and on Windows executables will be executed from the `yt-dlp` or `youtube-dl` directory), this could lead to arbitrary code being executed. `yt-dlp` version 2024.07.01 fixes this issue by whitelisting the allowed extensions. `youtube-dl` fixes this issue in commit `d42a222` on the `master` branch and in nightly builds tagged 2024-07-03 or later. This might mean some very uncommon extensions might not get downloaded, however it will also limit the possible exploitation surface. In addition to upgrading, have `.%(ext)s` at the end of the output template and make sure the user trusts the websites that they are downloading from. Also, make sure to never download to a directory within PATH or other sensitive locations like one's user directory, `system32`, or other binaries locations. For users who are not able to upgrade, keep the default output template (`-o "%(title)s [%(id)s].%(ext)s`); make sure the extension of the media to download is a common video/audio/sub/... one; try to avoid the generic extractor; and/or use `--ignore-config --config-location ...` to not load config from common locations.

Category

7.8
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 3.1 •
EPSS 0.02%
Affected: yt-dlp yt-dlp
Affected: ytdl-org youtube-dl
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2024-38519?
CVE-2024-38519 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2024-38519?
To fix CVE-2024-38519, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2024-38519 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2024-38519 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2024-38519?
CVE-2024-38519 affects yt-dlp yt-dlp, ytdl-org youtube-dl.
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