IRONSMITHINTEL
CRITICALCVSS9.8
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2019-16278|Auth: none — unauthenticated|Reboot: required|Manual only

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.

Published Oct 14, 2019 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2024-11-28 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Path Traversal (CWE-22) vulnerability in 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 requires remote network access, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and no user interaction required.

📧

Phishing link

🖼

Malicious file

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Server compromised

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running nostromo nhttpd: v < 1.9.7
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

Active exploitation documented in the wild. Threat-research write-up: http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/155045/Nostromo-1.9.6-Directory-Traversal-Remote-Command-Execution.html

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://www.nazgul.ch/dev/nostromo_cl.txt
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2019-16278
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2019-16278
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