CVE-2026-0846

Arbitrary File Read via Absolute Path Input in nltk.util.filestring()

Published Mar 9, 2026 CVSS 3.1 · 7.5 High EPSS < 1% KEV · Not listed
Description
A vulnerability in the `filestring()` function of the `nltk.util` module in nltk version 3.9.2 allows arbitrary file read due to improper validation of input paths. The function directly opens files specified by user input without sanitization, enabling attackers to access sensitive system files by providing absolute paths or traversal paths. This vulnerability can be exploited locally or remotely, particularly in scenarios where the function is used in web APIs or other interfaces that accept user-supplied input.

Remediation

No solution or workaround provided in the CVE record

Tracking

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Advisories

Source ID Title
Github GHSA Github GHSA GHSA-h8wq-7xc4-p3qx NLTK has Arbitrary File Read via Absolute Path Input in nltk.util.filestring()
Ubuntu USN Ubuntu USN USN-8302-1 NLTK vulnerabilities
History
Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Nltk nltk
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:nltk:nltk:3.9.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Nltk nltk
Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'yes', 'Exploitation': 'poc', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Nltk
Nltk nltk/nltk
Vendors & Products Nltk
Nltk nltk/nltk
Type Values Removed Values Added
Weaknesses CWE-22
References
Metrics threat_severity

None

cvssV3_1

{'score': 7.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N'}

threat_severity

Important

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description A vulnerability in the `filestring()` function of the `nltk.util` module in nltk version 3.9.2 allows arbitrary file read due to improper validation of input paths. The function directly opens files specified by user input without sanitization, enabling attackers to access sensitive system files by providing absolute paths or traversal paths. This vulnerability can be exploited locally or remotely, particularly in scenarios where the function is used in web APIs or other interfaces that accept user-supplied input.
Title Arbitrary File Read via Absolute Path Input in nltk.util.filestring()
Weaknesses CWE-36
References
Metrics cvssV3_0

{'score': 8.6, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:L'}

Weaknesses

Sources

Status
PUBLISHED
Assigner
@huntr_ai
Published
Updated
Sep 16, 2026, 12:04 PM
Reserved
Jan 10, 2026, 11:22 PM
Status
Modified
Published
Mar 9, 2026, 8:16 PM
Modified
Jul 15, 2026, 2:17 AM
Severity
Important
Public date
Mar 9, 2026, 7:19 PM