CVE-2021-45040: The Spatie media-library-pro library through 1.17.10 and 2.x through 2.1.6 for Laravel allows remote attackers

This week

CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2021-45040 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting laravel media library. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The Spatie media-library-pro library through 1.17.10 and 2.x through 2.1.6 for Laravel allows remote attackers to upload executable files via the uploads route.

Why this priority

Critical severity
Public exploit reference
Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	9.8 (Critical)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	None
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	3.2% (top 12%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-434
Published	2022-03-17
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: spatie

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2022-03-17 21:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 04:13 UTCUpdated Record last modified

spatie laravel media library UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.17.10 · >= 2.0.0 and <= 2.1.6

Fixed in: newer than 2.1.6

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.0.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy laravel-media-library || rpm -q laravel-media-library || laravel-media-library --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 2.1.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade laravel-media-library

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade laravel-media-library

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.0.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison laravel-media-library sudo apt install laravel-media-library=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo apt-mark hold laravel-media-library

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list laravel-media-library sudo dnf downgrade laravel-media-library-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.0.0> sudo dnf versionlock add laravel-media-library

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2021-45040?

laravel media library: upgrade to newer than 2.1.6. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2021-45040 being exploited?

CVE-2021-45040 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2021-45040 affect?

CVE-2021-45040 affects laravel media library. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). The Spatie media-library-pro library through 1.17.10 and 2.x through 2.1.6 for Laravel allows remote attackers to upload executable files via the uploads route.

How urgent is CVE-2021-45040?

Priority 66/100. Critical severity; Public exploit reference; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

Software pages

Laravel vulnerabilities

References

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