CVE-2025-14009

python3-nltk: A critical vulnerability exists in the NLTK downloader component of nltk/nltk, affecting all versions

CVE-2025-14009 is fixed in 3 products on 1 platform, first by python-nltk 3.2.5-1ubuntu0.1+esm3, released February 18, 2026. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: High.

High
CVSS
8.8
High
Exploitation
None reported
No vendor assessment
CISA KEV
Not listed
Not in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog
EPSS
0.0104
64th percentile

A critical vulnerability exists in the NLTK downloader component of nltk/nltk, affecting all versions. The _unzip_iter function in nltk/downloader.py uses zipfile.extractall() without performing path validation or security checks. This allows attackers to craft malicious zip packages that, when downloaded and extracted by NLTK, can execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability arises because NLTK assumes all downloaded packages are trusted and extracts them without validation. If a malicious package contains Python files, such as __init__.py, these files are executed automatically upon import, leading to remote code execution. This issue can result in full system compromise, including file system access, network access, and potential persistence mechanisms.

Where it's fixed

ProductFixed inFixReleased
Linux
nltk · Debian 14 3.9.3-1 DEBIAN-CVE-2025-14009 Feb 18, 2026
python-nltk · Ubuntu 18.04.6 LTS (bionic) 3.2.5-1ubuntu0.1+esm3 python-nltk 3.2.5-1ubuntu0.1+esm3 Feb 18, 2026
python3-nltk · Ubuntu 18.04.6 LTS (bionic) 3.2.5-1ubuntu0.1+esm3 python3-nltk 3.2.5-1ubuntu0.1+esm3 Feb 18, 2026
python3-nltk · Ubuntu 20.04 LTS (focal) 3.4.5-2ubuntu0.1~esm3 python3-nltk 3.4.5-2ubuntu0.1~esm3 Feb 18, 2026
python3-nltk · Ubuntu 22.04.1 LTS (jammy) 3.7-1ubuntu0.1~esm1 python3-nltk 3.7-1ubuntu0.1~esm1 Feb 18, 2026
python3-nltk · Ubuntu 24.04.5 LTS (noble) 3.8.1-1ubuntu0.1~esm1 python3-nltk 3.8.1-1ubuntu0.1~esm1 Feb 18, 2026
python3-nltk · Ubuntu 26.04.1 LTS (resolute) 3.9.2-1ubuntu0.1~esm1 python3-nltk 3.9.2-1ubuntu0.1~esm1 Feb 18, 2026

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