Is there any proof of the story of the غرانيق (cranes/idols) mentioned in the exegesis of Surat al-Hajj?

The Story of the 'Gharaniq' (Cranes/Idols)

The origin of the story of the 'Gharaniq' is an incident that occurred to the Prophet, peace be upon him, in Mecca, where he recited Surat An-Najm and prostrated, and the Muslims and polytheists prostrated with him. Narrations have come explaining the reason for the polytheists' prostration, stating that Satan cast words upon the tongue of the Prophet, peace be upon him, praising their deities, which were: "Those are the exalted Gharaniq, and their intercession is indeed hoped for." They mentioned that this was the reason for the revelation of the verse: {And We did not send before you any messenger or prophet except that when he wished, Satan cast into his wish. But Allah abolishes that which Satan casts, then Allah establishes His verses. And Allah is Knowing and Wise} (Al-Hajj/52). This has been narrated from a number of the Salaf, even if it is not authentically transmitted with a sound chain except from five of them.

However, a large group of researchers has denied the occurrence of this story, arguing that those among the Salaf who mentioned it did not live during the Prophet's time, and that it contradicts the infallibility of the Prophet, peace be upon him, from error and slip-ups.

Nevertheless, there is an opinion that considers the definitive denial of it to be questionable, and that the multiplicity of ways through which the story was narrated, even if they are Muraasal (missing the companion in the chain), indicates that it has an origin. Furthermore, the story does not undermine the infallibility of the transmission (of revelation); because the abrogation and correction came by revelation from Allah, and this confirms the truthfulness of the Messenger and his innocence from falsehood. In conclusion, affirming the origin of the story is closer to scientific investigation.