🛡️ CVE-2025-58438 on Debian — python-internetarchive
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.
Distribution advisory
This page covers CVE-2025-58438 as tracked by Debian, for the package python-internetarchive. The fix is available in version 5.5.1-1; earlier versions remain affected.
How this vulnerability can be exploited
This issue can be reached over the network, attack complexity is low, an attacker needs no privileges on the target. A user must be tricked into taking some action. The scope is unchanged, so the impact stays within the vulnerable component. Rated impact: confidentiality high, integrity high, availability high.
Weakness class
DEBIAN-CVE-2025-58438 is classified as CWE-22: Path Traversal. A file path built from user input is not confined to the intended directory, letting an attacker reach files elsewhere on the filesystem.
Affected software
DEBIAN-CVE-2025-58438 is recorded against 1 package.
- python-internetarchive (fixed in 5.5.1-1)
Timeline and source
Published on 6 September 2025 and last revised on 4 August 2026. No public exploit is currently recorded for this entry. Record sourced from OSV.
References
CVE-2025-58438 on other distributions
Each distribution ships its own build and its own fixed version. Pick the one you run:
Details
CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:P/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:H/SI:H/SA:H/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X
Affected Packages
| Software | From version | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| python-internetarchive | — | 5.5.1-1 |
References
Similar Threats
- Unknown USN-7989-1
- Unknown DSA-6035-1
- Unknown DLA-4314-1
- Unknown UBUNTU-CVE-2025-58438
Exploit Protection
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DEBIAN-CVE-2025-58438 carries CVSS 9.5 Critical rating. BotEraser checks your installation against this and other known CVE records, and blocks IPs associated with exploit activity.
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