How severe is CVE-2021-40848?

CVE-2021-40848 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-40848 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (57th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-40848?

CVE-2021-40848 primarily affects Mahara. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-40848?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2021-40848 published?

CVE-2021-40848 was published on 2021-11-03 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-40848

CVE-2021-40848 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mahara with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-1236.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 6.8
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (57th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-1236
Affected product: Mahara
Published: 2021-11-03
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In Mahara before 20.04.5, 20.10.3, 21.04.2, and 21.10.0, exported CSV files could contain characters that a spreadsheet program could interpret as a command, leading to execution of a malicious string locally on a device, aka CSV injection.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-40848?: In Mahara before 20.04.5, 20.10.3, 21.04.2, and 21.10.0, exported CSV files could contain characters that a spreadsheet program could interpret as a command, leading to execution of a malicious string locally on a device, aka CSV injection.
How severe is CVE-2021-40848?: CVE-2021-40848 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-40848 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (57th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-40848?: CVE-2021-40848 primarily affects Mahara. In total, 3 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-40848?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2021-40848 published?: CVE-2021-40848 was published on 2021-11-03 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (3)

cpe:2.3:a:mahara:mahara:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mahara:mahara:21.10.0:rc1:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:mahara:mahara:21.10.0:rc2:*:*:*:*:*:*

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All CVEs affecting Mahara →

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