CVE-2026-33231

What it is

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.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of service disruption.

Exploit odds

1.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2026-03-20 23:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-09-09 13:19 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 7.5 HIGH (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2026-03-20 23:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-09-09 13:19 UTC

Exploit probability

1.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-306 · Missing authentication

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Nltk ≤ 3.9.3

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 7.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2026-33231.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2026-33231. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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