Pyload
CVE-2024-21644
HIGH
Vulnerability Assessment
| Weakness |
CWE
OWASP Top 10:2025
A01:2025 - Broken Access Control
ASVS 5.0
V8 - Authorization Access control enforcement
MITRE ATT&CK
1 technique across 1 tactic: Defense Evasion The technique list with ATT&CK links and the kill-chain view is part of the Basic plan and up. |
| Impact | CVSS 7.5, EPSS 86.5%, PoC available, patch available. pyLoad is widely used as a self-hosted download manager. Admin access enables arbitrary file operations and code execution through the plugin system. The exposure of SECRET_KEY is a complete authentication bypass. |
| Exploit ScenarioDerived | An attacker accesses the configuration endpoint to retrieve the SECRET_KEY. Using flask-unsign or a similar tool, they forge an admin session cookie. They log in as administrator, upload a malicious plugin containing a reverse shell, and gain OS-level access to the server. |
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Alert meAnalysisAIv1 – Mar 28, 2026
pyLoad download manager version prior to 0.5.0b3.dev77 exposes the Flask SECRET_KEY through an unauthenticated endpoint. Attackers can extract this key to forge session cookies, impersonate the administrator, and execute arbitrary code through pyLoad's plugin system.
Earlier versions of this analysis (1)
Unauthenticated Flask configuration exposure in pyLoad reveals SECRET_KEY, enabling session forgery and admin takeover.
RemediationAI
Update to pyLoad 0.5.0b3.dev77 or later. Regenerate the SECRET_KEY after patching. Never expose pyLoad's web interface to the internet without additional authentication layers. Review installed plugins for unauthorized additions.
Affected Packages
Source: OSV (Open Source Vulnerabilities)
Affects your stack
Affects 1 package in pypi
Checking this CVE against your own stacks and servers is part of the Basic plan and up.
Technical ContextAI · show details
A specific URL path in pyLoad's web interface returns the full Flask application configuration without requiring authentication. The exposed data includes the SECRET_KEY used for signing session cookies. With this key, an attacker can forge a valid session cookie for any user including the administrator. pyLoad's admin interface allows plugin installation and script execution.
Severity by source
AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
Primary rating from GitHub Advisory · only source for this CVE.
CVSS VectorGitHub Advisory
Lifecycle Timeline
3DescriptionGitHub Advisory
pyLoad is the free and open-source Download Manager written in pure Python. Any unauthenticated user can browse to a specific URL to expose the Flask config, including the SECRET_KEY variable. This issue has been patched in version 0.5.0b3.dev77.
Executive ViewAI
Organizations using pyLoad face notable risk from CVE-2024-21644, a improper access control vulnerability rated CVSS 7.5. Exploitation could compromise the security of affected deployments. With an EPSS score of 87%, this vulnerability faces very high likelihood of exploitation. A patch is available and should be applied as part of regular vulnerability management.
Apply vendor patch. If immediate patching is not feasible: (1) Restrict access to affected endpoints; (2) Implement additional authorization checks; (3) Enable audit logging.
Threat Intelligence Overview
NVD
CVE.org
EPSS
GitHub
How this decision was reached
The engine reads each signal below and applies a fixed list of rules from top to bottom. The first rule that matches sets the recommended action – like a statement, every line is shown.
What every action level means
SSVC AssessmentENISA
Priority Score
Attack Technique
Authentication bypass attacks exploit flaws in the verification mechanisms that control access to systems and applications.
Affected Products (CPE)GitHub Advisory
pyLoad is the free and open-source Download Manager written in pure Python. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulne
Code Injection in GitHub repository pyload/pyload prior to 0.5.0b3.dev31. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulne
Excessive Attack Surface in GitHub repository pyload/pyload prior to 0.5.0b3.dev41. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8),
pyLoad 0.5.0 is vulnerable to Unrestricted File Upload. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely e
Improper Input Validation in GitHub repository pyload/pyload prior to 0.5.0b3.dev40. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), thi
Improper Certificate Validation in GitHub repository pyload/pyload prior to 0.5.0b3.dev44. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.4
pyload is an open-source Download Manager written in pure Python. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is
Insufficient Session Expiration in GitHub repository pyload/pyload prior to 0.5.0b3.dev36. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6
An open redirection vulnerability exists in pyload/pyload version 0.5.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerab
pyLoad is an open-source Download Manager written in pure Python. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability i
Cross-site Scripting (XSS) - Stored in GitHub repository pyload/pyload prior to 0.5.0b3.dev42. Rated medium severity (CV
Sensitive Cookie in HTTPS Session Without 'Secure' Attribute in GitHub repository pyload/pyload prior to 0.5.0b3.dev32.
Exploit-DB