Is this vulnerability remotely exploitable?

It can be, if the WordNet Browser HTTP server is bound to an interface reachable by an attacker (for example, a non-localhost interface or a forwarded port). If the service is strictly bound to localhost and not exposed, exploitation is limited to local users on the same system.

What level of access does an attacker need to exploit this issue?

The attacker only needs network-level access to the WordNet Browser port. No authentication, prior session, or special permissions are required; a single crafted GET request is sufficient to trigger the shutdown.

What is the safest general fix pattern for developers of similar tools?

Ensure that any administrative or lifecycle control function (such as shutdown or restart) is either: - Not exposed over HTTP at all, or - Protected by robust authentication and authorization checks, and ideally restricted to trusted networks or local-only interfaces.

Severity:

HIGH RISK

(7.5)

Missing Authentication for HTTP Shutdown Endpoint (CWE-306) in NLTK WordNet Browser

CVE-2026-33231

Published:

Mar 20, 2026

Status:

Analyzed

Summary

Affected Context

Exploit Preconditions

Why This Happens

Potential Impact

General Mitigation Guidance

How Teams Detect Issues Like This

Frequently Asked Questions

Source

NDV

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Vulnerability Type

Category:

Missing Authentication / Authorization

CWE:

CWE-306

Impact:

Denial of Service (Process Termination)

Severity:

HIGH RISK

(7.5)

CVSS Version:

3.1

Vulnerability Type

Category:

Missing Authentication / Authorization

CWE:

CWE-306

Impact:

Denial of Service (Process Termination)

Severity:

HIGH RISK

(7.5)

CVSS Version:

3.1

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Missing Authentication for HTTP Shutdown Endpoint (CWE-306) in NLTK WordNet Browser

Summary

Affected Context

Exploit Preconditions

Why This Happens

Potential Impact

General Mitigation Guidance

How Teams Detect Issues Like This

Frequently Asked Questions

Source

Recent Vulnerabilities

HIGH RISK

HIGH

(8.6)

Server-Side Request Forgery (CWE-918) in OpenClaw Zalo Plugin sendPhoto

HIGH RISK

HIGH

(8.8)

Authorization Bypass (CWE-863) in OpenClaw Matrix Room Control Commands

Vulnerability Type

Vulnerability Type

Vulnerability Type

Catch This CVE While Code Is Being Written

Ship clean & secure code faster

Ship clean & secure code faster

Ship clean & secure code faster

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