Description
internetarchive is a Python and Command-Line Interface to Archive.org In versions 5.5.0 and below, there is a directory traversal (path traversal) vulnerability in the File.download() method of the internetarchive library. The file.download() method does not properly sanitize user-supplied filenames or validate the final download path. A maliciously crafted filename could contain path traversal sequences (e.g., ../../../../windows/system32/file.txt) or illegal characters that, when processed, would cause the file to be written outside of the intended target directory. An attacker could potentially overwrite critical system files or application configuration files, leading to a denial of service, privilege escalation, or remote code execution, depending on the context in which the library is used. The vulnerability is particularly critical for users on Windows systems, but all operating systems are affected. This issue is fixed in version 5.5.1.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected | Fixed |
|---|---|---|---|
| jjjake | internetarchive | < 5.5.1 | — |
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 14 | python-internetarchive | 5.5.1-1 | — |
| Debian 13 | python-internetarchive | 5.4.0-2~deb13u1 | DSA-6035-1 |
| Debian 12 | python-internetarchive | 3.3.0-2~deb12u1 | DSA-6035-1 |
| Debian 11 | python-internetarchive | 1.9.9-1+deb11u1 | DLA-4314-1 |
Ubuntu
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu 25.10 | python-internetarchive | 5.4.0-1ubuntu0.1 | USN-7989-1 |
| Ubuntu 22.04 LTS | python-internetarchive | 1.9.9-1ubuntu0.1 | USN-7989-1 |
Show 2 more (older releases, extended support, other products)Fewer releases
| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ubuntu Pro 24.04 LTS | python-internetarchive | 3.5.0-1ubuntu0.1~esm1 | USN-7989-1 |
| Ubuntu Pro 20.04 LTS | python-internetarchive | 1.9.0-3ubuntu0.1~esm1 | USN-7989-1 |
Affected packages
| Ecosystem | Package | Affected | Fixed | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PyPI | internetarchive | < 5.5.1 | 5.5.1 | GHSA-wx3r-v6h7-frjp |
Advisories 3
- USN-7989-1 python-internetarchive vulnerability Ubuntu Security Notices (USN) · Apr 27, 2026
- DSA-6035-1 python-internetarchive - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Oct 23, 2025
- DLA-4314-1 python-internetarchive - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Sep 30, 2025