CVE-2026-78680

What it is

NLTK versions before 3.10.3 fail to use validated absolute paths when invoking the Graphviz dot binary in dependencygraph.dot2img and AlignedSent._repr_svg_, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code by placing a malicious dot binary in the search path or current working directory. Attackers can exploit bare-name binary resolution on Windows via the current working directory or on Unix-like systems via relative PATH entries to execute their binary instead of the legitimate Graphviz tool.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2026-08-25 02:16 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-10-12 21:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Details

Published

2026-08-25 02:16 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-12 21:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-426

Record status

Awaiting Analysis

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 8.5

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

None

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High