CVE-2021-43788

Name: CVE-2021-43788
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2021-11-29T20:15:08.253+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

MEDIUMCVSS 5/10EPSS 25.84%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2021-43788 is a medium-severity vulnerability rated 5/10 on the CVSS scale. 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. EPSS estimates a 25.84% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

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.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:N/A:N

EPSS Probability

25.84%

97.7th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-22

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Nodebb	Nodebb	>= 1.0.4, <= 1.18.4

References

https://blog.sonarsource.com/nodebb-remote-code-execution-with-one-shot/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/commit/c8b2fc46dc698db687379106b3f01c71b80f495fPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/releases/tag/v1.18.5Release Notes, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/security/advisories/GHSA-pfj7-2qfw-vwgmThird Party Advisory
https://blog.sonarsource.com/nodebb-remote-code-execution-with-one-shot/Exploit, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/commit/c8b2fc46dc698db687379106b3f01c71b80f495fPatch, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/releases/tag/v1.18.5Release Notes, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/security/advisories/GHSA-pfj7-2qfw-vwgmThird Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 29, 2021
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2021-43788?

How severe is CVE-2021-43788?

CVE-2021-43788 has a CVSS score of 5/10 (MEDIUM severity). The EPSS model estimates a 25.84% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2021-43788?

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-2021-43788?

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

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST