CVE-2026-0846
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.
Predictions
Heuristic predictions, AS-IS, for prioritization only.
Mitigations
No mitigations published for this CVE yet.
The vendor-content worker queues fetches as references arrive (check back in a few minutes). Or — if you've already worked around this in production — publish your fix to the community-verified tier.
✚ Propose a mitigation on Community → Mitigations published via the community go through AI scoring + 2 human reviewers + 7-day silent objection window before landing here withsource_tier=community-verified.
OS impact
Debian Mixed 5 releases
| Version | Status | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| trixie | Affected | — |
| sid | Fixed | 3.9.3-1 |
| forky | Fixed | 3.9.3-1 |
| bullseye | Affected | — |
| bookworm | Affected | — |
References
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-0846
- https://github.com/nltk/nltk/pull/3485
- https://github.com/nltk/nltk/commit/b2e1164bf89277f79b65406c829b99fb20ca1974
- https://github.com/nltk/nltk
- https://huntr.com/bounties/007b84f8-418e-4300-99d0-bf504c2f97eb
- https://security-tracker.debian.org/tracker/CVE-2026-0846
Community-verified mitigations for this CVE will appear above when contributors publish them.
Verify integrity in audit chain (admin only). AS-IS.