Vulnerability identifier: #VU81085

Vulnerability risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 7.2 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2023-40581

CWE-ID: CWE-78

Exploitation vector: Network

Exploit availability: No

Vulnerable software:
yt-dlp
Universal components / Libraries / Software for developers

Vendor: yt-dlp

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary shell commands on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to improper input validation when using "%q" in yt-dlp on Windows. A remote unauthenticated attacker can pass specially crafted data to the application and execute arbitrary OS commands on the target system.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may result in complete compromise of vulnerable system.

Mitigation
Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

yt-dlp: 2021.04.11 - 2023.07.06

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External links
http://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/releases/tag/2023.09.24

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Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.