How severe is CVE-2021-40849?

CVE-2021-40849 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-40849 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (67th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-40849?

CVE-2021-40849 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-2021-40849?

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

When was CVE-2021-40849 published?

CVE-2021-40849 was published on 2021-11-03 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-40849

CVE-2021-40849 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Mahara with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8. 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-613.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 3.x base score 9.8)
CVSS v2: 7.5
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (67th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-613
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, the account associated with a web services token is vulnerable to being exploited and logged into, resulting in information disclosure (at a minimum) and often escalation of privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-40849?: In Mahara before 20.04.5, 20.10.3, 21.04.2, and 21.10.0, the account associated with a web services token is vulnerable to being exploited and logged into, resulting in information disclosure (at a minimum) and often escalation of privileges.
How severe is CVE-2021-40849?: CVE-2021-40849 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.8, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-40849 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (67th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-40849?: CVE-2021-40849 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-2021-40849?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2021-40849 published?: CVE-2021-40849 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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