HOMEVULNERABILITIESCVE-2019-16278
HIGHCISA KEVIN THE WILD

CVE-2019-16278

Published: November 7, 2024

EPSS:94.39%probability of exploitation in 30 daysPercentile:100.0th

Official Description

Nostromo nhttpd contains a directory traversal vulnerability in the http_verify() function in a non-chrooted nhttpd server allowing for remote code execution.

NVD Source

CISA KEV Advisory

Nostromo nhttpd Directory Traversal Vulnerability

Nostromo nhttpd contains a directory traversal vulnerability in the http_verify() function in a non-chrooted nhttpd server allowing for remote code execution.

Added to KEV: 2024-11-07Federal patch deadline: 2024-11-28
Required Action (CISA)

Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

Risk Analysis

Nostromo nhttpd contains a directory traversal flaw in its http_verify() function, which can lead to remote code execution on non-chrooted servers. This is a HIGH severity vulnerability with a high EPSS score of 0.94393, suggesting a strong probability of exploitation. Its inclusion in CISA's KEV catalog confirms active exploitation.

This vulnerability is actively being exploited in the wild. The directory traversal nature suggests it can be exploited remotely.

Recommended Action

Administrators of Nostromo nhttpd should update to a patched version or configure the server to run in a chrooted environment. Reviewing and restricting directory access permissions is also recommended.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2019-16278 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.

Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

CISA has added CVE-2019-16278 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.

Exploit & PoC Resources

ACTIVE EXPLOITATIONConfirmed exploitation in the wild
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All References (2)

Quick Facts

CVE IDCVE-2019-16278
SeverityHIGH
CISA KEVYES — Active Exploitation
ExploitIN THE WILD
EPSS (30d)94.39%
PublishedNov 7, 2024

Recommended Actions

  • Apply vendor patches immediately
  • Monitor CVE-2019-16278 in threat intel feeds
  • Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
  • !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
  • !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1
Data sourced from NVD (NIST), CISA KEV, and EPSS (FIRST). Analysis generated by CTIWATCH.COM. CVE data is provided under the NVD usage policy.