Directory Traversal in NLTK Downloader from Natural Language Toolkit
CVE-2019-14751

7.5HIGH

Key Information:

Vendor

Nltk

Status
Nltk
Vendor
CVE Published:
22 August 2019

Badges

👾 Exploit Exists🟡 Public PoC

What is CVE-2019-14751?

The NLTK Downloader, part of the Natural Language Toolkit, is susceptible to a directory traversal vulnerability, which allows attackers to manipulate file paths via a './' sequence in a ZIP archive. This flaw can enable unauthorized file writing during the extraction process. Users of versions before 3.4.5 are particularly at risk and should consider updating to safeguard against potential exploitation.

Exploit Proof of Concept (PoC)

PoC code is written by security researchers to demonstrate the vulnerability can be exploited. PoC code is also a key component for weaponization which could lead to ransomware.

CVE-2019-14751_PoC
Created by mssalvatore

References

https://github.com/nltk/nltk/blob/3.4.5/ChangeLog
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https://github.com/nltk/nltk/commit/f59d7ed8df2e0e957f7f2...
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https://salvatoresecurity.com/zip-slip-in-nltk-cve-2019-1...
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EPSS Score

5% chance of being exploited in the next 30 days.

CVSS V3.1

Score:
7.5
Severity:
HIGH
Confidentiality:
None
Integrity:
High
Availability:
None
Attack Vector:
Network
Attack Complexity:
Low
Privileges Required:
None
User Interaction:
None
Scope:
Unchanged

Timeline

  • Vulnerability published

  • 🟡

    Public PoC available

  • 👾

    Exploit known to exist

  • Vulnerability Reserved

.