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Vulnerability record · CVE-2021-43788 · published 29 November 2021

CVE-2021-43788: Nodebb path traversal vulnerability

Nodebb · Nodebb

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.

5.0 CVSS 3.1 Medium EPSS 26% · top 2.1% CWE-22 · Path traversal
5.0CVSS 3.1 base score, v2 4.0
26%EPSS exploitation probability, 30 days
NoNot in CISA KEV
1Affected product versions listed by NVD
8References, 2 tagged exploit
17 Jun 2026Last modified by NVD

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.

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

Affected products

1 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.

References

LinkTags
https://blog.sonarsource.com/nodebb-remote-code-execution-with-one-shot/ ExploitThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/commit/c8b2fc46dc698db687379106b3f01c71b80f495f PatchThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/releases/tag/v1.18.5 Release NotesThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/security/advisories/GHSA-pfj7-2qfw-vwgm Third Party Advisory
https://blog.sonarsource.com/nodebb-remote-code-execution-with-one-shot/ ExploitThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/commit/c8b2fc46dc698db687379106b3f01c71b80f495f PatchThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/releases/tag/v1.18.5 Release NotesThird Party Advisory
https://github.com/NodeBB/NodeBB/security/advisories/GHSA-pfj7-2qfw-vwgm Third Party Advisory

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Related vulnerabilities

Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.

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Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2021-43788), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.