# CVE-2026-78680: nltk: NLTK versions before 3.10.3 fail to use validated absolute paths when invoking the Graphviz dot binary in dependencyg...

CVE-2026-78680 is fixed in nltk on 1 platform by DEBIAN-CVE-2026-78680 (version 3.10.3-1), released August 26, 2026. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: Routine.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2026-78680
- Priority: Routine
- CVSS: n/a
- EPSS: 0.0018
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Aug 25, 2026

## Description

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.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linux | nltk Debian 14 | 3.10.3-1 | [DEBIAN-CVE-2026-78680](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/linux/debian-cve-2026-78680.md) | Aug 26, 2026 |

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Data as of 2026-11-08T00:53:09Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo

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