# CVE-2023-46121: PYSEC-2026-2063 - yt-dlp Generic Extractor MITM Vulnerability via Arbitrary Proxy Injection

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2023-46121-yt-dlp-generic-extractor-mitm-via-arbitrary-proxy-injection  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2026-07-07. Updated: 2026-09-26  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2023-46121 · Severity: low · CVSS 3.1 · Published 2026-07-07

yt-dlp is a popular video downloader that processes URLs from websites and fetches content. The Generic Extractor component has a flaw that allows attackers to intercept (MITM) the tool's network requests by injecting malicious proxy settings through specially crafted URLs. This could lead to credential theft or unauthorized modification of requests to other websites.

Technologies: [yt-dlp (PyPI)](https://junglewise.ai/threats/technologies/yt-dlp). Vendors: [PyPI](https://junglewise.ai/threats/vendors/pypi).

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2023-46121 exploited in the wild?** No. Junglewise Threat Intelligence has no report of CVE-2023-46121 being exploited in the wild.

**How severe is CVE-2023-46121?** Low severity, with a CVSS score of 3.1, published 7 July 2026.

**Which products and versions are affected?** yt-dlp (PyPI) ECOSYSTEM:introduced=2022.10.04,fixed=2023.11.14.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2023-46121?** Yes. yt-dlp (PyPI): upgrade to 2023.11.14 or later. Junglewise finds every place you run it, drafts the upgrade and applies it once you approve.

**How is CVE-2023-46121 attacked?** It is attacked over the network.

**Am I affected by CVE-2023-46121?** Check whether you run yt-dlp (PyPI) at an affected version. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## How to fix

- yt-dlp (PyPI): upgrade to 2023.11.14 or later

  ```sh
  pip install "yt-dlp>=2023.11.14"
  ```


## Technical details

The vulnerability exists in yt-dlp's URL smuggling mechanism, which allows internal data (like HTTP headers) to be passed between extractors via JSON in URL fragments. The Generic Extractor incorrectly accepts smuggled proxy headers (Ytdl-request-proxy and Ytdl-socks-proxy) from untrusted URLs, allowing an attacker to set an arbitrary HTTP/SOCKS proxy for any subsequent request. Attack requires user interaction: a user must process a malicious webpage or URL. An attacker can then intercept traffic to arbitrary sites, potentially exfiltrating non-secure cookies or injecting malicious responses. The fix removes the ability to smuggle HTTP headers to the Generic Extractor, patched in version 2023.11.14.

## Affected products

- yt-dlp yt-dlp 2022.10.04 to 2023.11.13

## Identifiers

- CVE-2023-46121
- GHSA-3ch3-jhc6-5r8x
- PYSEC-2026-2063

## Timeline

- 2023-11-15: disclosed
- 2023-11-14: patched

## References

- [https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/security/advisories/GHSA-3ch3-jhc6-5r8x](https://github.com/yt-dlp/yt-dlp/security/advisories/GHSA-3ch3-jhc6-5r8x)

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- [yt-dlp and youtube-dl command injection in shortcut file generation](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2026-55404-yt-dlp-and-youtube-dl-command-injection-in-shortcut-file)
- [PYSEC-2026-2065 - yt-dlp File system modification and RCE through improper file-extension sanitization](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2024-38519-yt-dlp-file-system-modification-and-rce-through-improper-file)
- [PYSEC-2026-2066 - yt-dlp: `--exec` command injection when using `%q` in yt-dlp on Windows (Bypass of )](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2024-22423-yt-dlp-exec-command-injection-when-using-q-in-yt-dlp-on-windows)
- [PYSEC-2026-2064 - yt-dlp on Windows vulnerable to `--exec` command injection when using `%q`](https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2023-40581-yt-dlp-on-windows-vulnerable-to-exec-command-injection-when-using)