VideoLAN Released VLC Version 3.0.24 With Security Patches
The latest software update addresses over 130 security vulnerabilities and upgrades several internal libraries.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cybersecurity
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VideoLAN has launched VLC version 3.0.24, an update that fixes more than 130 security vulnerabilities. The release aims to bolster software sustainability and improve security for users globally.
Why it matters
Updating to the latest version is critical to mitigating risks associated with the patched security flaws. The release ensures that the application remains stable and protected against potential exploits identified by researchers.
The update upgrades the integrated FFmpeg engine from version 4.4 to 8.1.2 and includes patches for 49 third-party libraries. Software update verification now utilizes an RSA-4096 cryptographic key to enhance security.
The players
VideoLAN
VideoLAN is a non-profit organization that develops the free and open-source cross-platform multimedia player VLC.
Google's OSS-Fuzz project
Google's OSS-Fuzz project is an initiative that provides continuous fuzzing for critical open-source software to identify and patch security vulnerabilities.
The details
The update introduces decoding support for APV video format, ATRAC3 audio, and ATRAC9 audio, while adding SFTP public key authentication via ED25519 hostkeys. VideoLAN also removed the NPAPI browser plugin and disabled the RealRTSP protocol to streamline the software.
Timeline
VLC 3.0.24 was officially released on September 22, 2026.
Detailed security advisories are expected in the coming days.
The Tech Race
This release continues the long-term maintenance of the VLC 3.0 series, marking a transition toward more robust security standards in legacy open-source media players. It positions VideoLAN to better counter modern exploit techniques compared to previous library versions.
Users can now enjoy better compatibility with newer audio and video formats like APV and ATRAC. Additionally, Windows users will notice a fix for a previous startup slowdown that occurred during Daylight Saving Time changes.
The takeaway
Users should prioritize downloading this update immediately to benefit from the extensive security patches. Maintaining updated software is the most effective way for individual users to protect their local systems from potential vulnerabilities.
What happens next
VideoLAN is scheduled to release individual security advisories in the coming days to provide granular detail on the specific vulnerabilities addressed in this version.
Further reading
For broader trends in digital safety, explore our Cybersecurity section.
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Do you generally trust that new software security updates will improve your computer's performance?
