CVE-2021-43266

Name: CVE-2021-43266
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-11-02T22:15:09.103+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.3/10EPSS 1.28%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-43266 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.3/10 on the CVSS scale. 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. EPSS estimates a 1.28% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.3/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

EPSS Probability

1.28%

66.4th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-78

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Mahara	Mahara	>= 20.04.0, < 20.04.5
Mahara	Mahara	>= 20.10.0, < 20.10.3
Mahara	Mahara	>= 21.04.0, < 21.04.2
Mahara	Mahara	>= 20.10.0, < 20.10.4
Mahara	Mahara	>= 21.04.0, < 21.04.3
Mahara	Mahara	>= 21.10.0, < 21.10.1

References

https://bugs.launchpad.net/mahara/+bug/1942903Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://bugs.launchpad.net/mahara/+bug/1949527Third Party Advisory
https://mahara.org/interaction/forum/topic.php?id=8952Vendor Advisory
https://mahara.org/interaction/forum/topic.php?id=8995Vendor Advisory
https://bugs.launchpad.net/mahara/+bug/1942903Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://bugs.launchpad.net/mahara/+bug/1949527Third Party Advisory
https://mahara.org/interaction/forum/topic.php?id=8952Vendor Advisory
https://mahara.org/interaction/forum/topic.php?id=8995Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 2, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-43266?

How severe is CVE-2021-43266?

CVE-2021-43266 has a CVSS score of 7.3/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.28% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-43266?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2021-43266?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST