NLTK: Uncontrolled search path when invoking the Graphviz 'dot' binary — GHSA-6HWM-XVPH-95VM

Summary

Two NLTK sites executed the Graphviz `dot` program by bare name, so process creation resolved it via the search path — and on Windows via the current working directory — rather than a validated absolute location. An attacker who can place a file named `dot` where resolution looks (the CWD on Windows, or a writable/relative entry such as `.` on `PATH`) has their binary executed in place of Graphviz (arbitrary code…

Timeline

Published by source

2026-09-01

Risk context

• Reported severity or threat level: high.
• Reported CVSS score: 8.5 out of 10.
• Reported EPSS value: 0.0012.
• Review exposure for the affected product or family: pip: nltk.

Product

pip: nltk

What to do

General, cautious steps (verify details in the official source):

• Prioritize patching or mitigation immediately (treat as actively risky).
• Identify affected product versions in your inventory and verify whether you are impacted.
• Apply vendor patches/updates or recommended mitigations as soon as available.
• Read the official advisory for exact affected versions and remediation steps.

Official advisory

• Read the official source
• CVE Record
• NVD

Evidence and provenance

Canonical advisory ID

GHSA-6HWM-XVPH-95VM

Source

GitHub

Vendor

GitHub

Published by source

2026-09-01

Last source activity

2026-09-01

Additional identifiers

CVE-2026-78680

Curated by

hlukh.ch

Related advisories and connections

These advisories are connected by shared CVE, product, vendor, source, or time signals.