How severe is CVE-2021-43266?

CVE-2021-43266 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-43266 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-2021-43266?

CVE-2021-43266 affects Mahara. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-43266?

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-2021-43266 published?

CVE-2021-43266 was published on 2021-11-02 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-43266

CVE-2021-43266 is a high-severity vulnerability in Mahara with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3. 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-78.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.3)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (67th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-78
Affected product: Mahara
Published: 2021-11-02
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

In Mahara before 20.04.5, 20.10.3, 21.04.2, and 21.10.0, exporting collections via PDF export could lead to code execution via shell metacharacters in a collection name. Additional, in Mahara before 20.10.4, 21.04.3, and 21.10.1, exporting collections via PDF export could cause code execution

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-43266?: In Mahara before 20.04.5, 20.10.3, 21.04.2, and 21.10.0, exporting collections via PDF export could lead to code execution via shell metacharacters in a collection name. Additional, in Mahara before 20.10.4, 21.04.3, and 21.10.1, exporting collections via PDF export could cause code execution
How severe is CVE-2021-43266?: CVE-2021-43266 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.3, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-43266 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-2021-43266?: CVE-2021-43266 affects Mahara. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-43266?: 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-2021-43266 published?: CVE-2021-43266 was published on 2021-11-02 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:mahara:mahara:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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