High severity · published Feb 18, 2026
CVE-2025-14009
Zip Slip Vulnerability in nltk/nltk Leading to Remote Code Execution
8.8
CVSS
1%
EPSS
No
On KEV
Description
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.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Attack vector
Network
Complexity
Low
Privileges
Low
User interaction
None
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High
Scope
Unchanged
Exploitation
Is it being used?
Exploit prediction (EPSS)1.0% · higher than 64% of CVEs
Exploited in the wildNo evidence yet
CISA KEVNot listed
Ransomware campaign useNot known
Affected products
Which versions
NL
nltk/nltk · nltk
through latest · source: vendor
NL
Nltk · Nltk
before 3.9.3 · source: NVD
OL
OpenShift Lightspeed · Red Hat
All versions, or not specified · source: CISA
RH
Red Hat OpenShift AI (RHOAI) · Red Hat
All versions, or not specified · source: CISA
RH
Red Hat OpenShift AI 2.25 · Red Hat
All versions, or not specified · source: CISA
References
NVD
https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-14009
CVE.org
https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2025-14009
Exploit
https://huntr.com/bounties/49ecbc02-054e-4470-b2e0-b267936cc4e4
access.redhat.com
https://access.redhat.com/errata/RHSA-2026:10184
access.redhat.com
https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/CVE-2025-14009
bugzilla.redhat.com
https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=2440724
security.access.redhat.com
https://security.access.redhat.com/data/csaf/v2/vex/2025/cve-2025-14009.json
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