CVE-2019-16278
Nostromo nhttpd Directory Traversal Vulnerability
Nostromo nhttpd
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.
Exploitation status
CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
Listed by CISA on 7 November 2024. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 28 November 2024.
EPSS — exploitation probability
FIRST puts the probability of exploitation activity in the next 30 days at 99%, which is higher than 99.9% of all scored vulnerabilities. EPSS is a forecast of activity, not a measure of severity, and it is rescored daily.
CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
Frequently asked questions
Is CVE-2019-16278 being exploited by ransomware groups?
No ransomware group in this database is currently recorded as exploiting CVE-2019-16278.
What does CVE-2019-16278 affect?
CVE-2019-16278 affects Nostromo nhttpd. 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.
How severe is CVE-2019-16278?
CVE-2019-16278 is rated CRITICAL with a CVSS base score of 9.8. EPSS puts the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days at 99%, higher than 99.9% of all scored vulnerabilities. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, with a federal remediation deadline of 28 November 2024.
How should organisations respond to CVE-2019-16278?
Apply the vendor patch for Nostromo nhttpd as the first priority, and treat any internet-facing instance as the most urgent. Because this vulnerability is associated with ransomware activity, also review whether the affected systems were reachable before patching, rather than assuming that patching alone closes the incident.