CVE-2026-33231
Nltk authentication bypass
- Published20 Mar 2026
Description
NLTK (Natural Language Toolkit) is a suite of open source Python modules, data sets, and tutorials supporting research and development in Natural Language Processing. In versions 3.9.3 and prior, `nltk.app.wordnet_app` allows unauthenticated remote shutdown of the local WordNet Browser HTTP server when it is started in its default mode. A simple `GET /SHUTDOWN%20THE%20SERVER` request causes the process to terminate immediately via `os._exit(0)`, resulting in a denial of service. Commit bbaae83db86a0f49e00f5b0db44a7254c268de9b patches the issue.
CVSS 3.1 breakdown
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:HAffected products
Remediation
No fixed version is recorded in the NVD data. Check the vendor advisory for the latest guidance.
References
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:19712
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:24977
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:37275
- https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:65126
- https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-33231
- https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2449836
- https://github.com/nltk/nltk/commit/bbaae83db86a0f49e00f5b0db44a7254c268de9b
- https://github.com/nltk/nltk/security/advisories/GHSA-jm6w-m3j8-898g
- https://security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2026/cve-2026-33231.json
Related CVEs
Recent high-severity vulnerabilities sharing a weakness type.
Frequently asked
Is CVE-2026-33231 being actively exploited?
CVE-2026-33231 is not in the CISA KEV catalog. A public exploit reference exists, so treat it as exploitable. Its EPSS exploit probability is 1.46%.
How severe is CVE-2026-33231?
CVE-2026-33231 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5, rated high. EPSS estimates a 1.46% probability of exploitation.
Which products are affected by CVE-2026-33231?
Affected products include Nltk.
How do I fix CVE-2026-33231?
Apply the vendor's patch or advisory guidance, then verify no affected versions remain across your devices.
How Secuno handles this
Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2026-33231 against the real software inventory on every managed device, as each hourly inventory arrives. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.
Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.