CVE-2019-16278KEV · OVERDUE

Nostromo nhttpd Directory Traversal Vulnerability

Critical · published October 14, 2019

Patch now

Confirmed exploited, and the score agrees

CVSS calls it critical at 9.8. It is confirmed in active exploitation. It sits in the 99.9th percentile for exploit probability.

695
days past CISA
deadline
CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
99%
Percentile
99.9
In the wild
Confirmed
What it is

🚨 Just one sneaky crafted HTTP request can lead to remote code execution in nostromo nhttpd! 🔥 Think of it like a delivery person who follows a bad address and ends up at the wrong place — here, that wrong place might just be your server’s critical files! 📦 An attacker could exploit this flaw to execute malicious code on your server, potentially gaining complete control over it. This could lead to data theft, service disruption, or even a full system takeover — it's absolutely devastating! ⚠️

Put simply

Think of it like a delivery person who follows a bad address and ends up at the wrong place — here, that wrong place might just be your server’s critical files! 📦 The vulnerability exists in the function http_verify, allowing attackers to manipulate the server's directory structure, essentially stepping out of their intended access zone and into sensitive areas without permission.

What to do

An attacker could exploit this flaw to execute malicious code on your server, potentially gaining complete control over it. This could lead to data theft, service disruption, or even a full system takeover — it's absolutely devastating! ⚠️ Immediately patch nostromo nhttpd to version 1.9.7 or later to close this loophole. Additionally, review your server configurations to tighten access controls and monitor logs for any suspicious activity. 🔒 You've got this! By taking these steps, you can protect your environment and maintain your status as a security hero! 🦸‍♂️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.99033 · 99.9th percentile
Published
2019-10-14T16:06Z
KEV added
2024-11-07 · due 2024-11-28
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 07 NOV 00:00Z
    Added to CISA KEV — remediate by Nov 28
    kev
  • 14 OCT 16:06Z
    Directory Traversal in the function http_verify in nostromo nhttpd through 1.9.6 allows an attacker to achieve remote code execution via a crafted HTTP request
    cvelistv5