How severe is CVE-2021-43788?

CVE-2021-43788 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.0, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity none, and availability none.

Is CVE-2021-43788 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 26% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-43788?

CVE-2021-43788 affects Nodebb. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-43788?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2021-43788 published?

CVE-2021-43788 was published on 2021-11-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-43788

CVE-2021-43788 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Nodebb with a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.0. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 26% places it in the 98th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-22.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 5.0)
CVSS v2: 4.0
EPSS exploit prediction: 26% (98th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-22
Affected product: Nodebb
Published: 2021-11-29
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Nodebb is an open source Node.js based forum software. Prior to v1.18.5, a path traversal vulnerability was present that allowed users to access JSON files outside of the expected `languages/` directory. The vulnerability has been patched as of v1.18.5. Users are advised to upgrade as soon as possible.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-43788?: Nodebb is an open source Node.js based forum software. Prior to v1.18.5, a path traversal vulnerability was present that allowed users to access JSON files outside of the expected `languages/` directory. The vulnerability has been patched as of v1.18.5. Users are advised to upgrade as soon as possible.
How severe is CVE-2021-43788?: CVE-2021-43788 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 5.0, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is low, integrity none, and availability none.
Is CVE-2021-43788 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 26% (98th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-43788?: CVE-2021-43788 affects Nodebb. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-43788?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2021-43788 published?: CVE-2021-43788 was published on 2021-11-29 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:nodebb:nodebb:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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