CVE-2022-45134: Mahara 21.10 before 21.10.6, 22.04 before 22.04.4, and 22.10 before 22.10.1 deserializes user input unsafely d

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CRITICAL 9.8REMOTEUPGRADE

CVE-2022-45134 is a critical-severity flaw (CVSS 9.8) affecting mahara. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Mahara 21.10 before 21.10.6, 22.04 before 22.04.4, and 22.10 before 22.10.1 deserializes user input unsafely during skin import. A particularly structured XML file could cause code execution when being processed.

Why this priority

Critical severity
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	0.6% (top 51%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-502
Published	2025-08-22
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: mahara

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2025-08-22 19:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 05:09 UTCUpdated Record last modified

mahara mahara UPGRADE

Affected: >= 21.10.0 and < 21.10.6 · >= 22.04.0 and < 22.04.4 · >= 22.10.0 and < 22.10.1

Fixed in: 21.10.6, 22.04.4, 22.10.1

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 21.10.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy mahara || rpm -q mahara || mahara --version

2. UPGRADE to 21.10.6 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade mahara

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade mahara

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 21.10.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison mahara sudo apt install mahara=<VERSION_BEFORE_21.10.0> sudo apt-mark hold mahara

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

dnf --showduplicates list mahara sudo dnf downgrade mahara-<VERSION_BEFORE_21.10.0> sudo dnf versionlock add mahara

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-2022-45134?

mahara: upgrade to 21.10.6, 22.04.4, 22.10.1. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2022-45134 being exploited?

CVE-2022-45134 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-2022-45134 affect?

CVE-2022-45134 affects mahara. Severity is critical (CVSS 9.8). Mahara 21.10 before 21.10.6, 22.04 before 22.04.4, and 22.10 before 22.10.1 deserializes user input unsafely during skin import. A particularly structured XML file could cause code execution when being processed.

How urgent is CVE-2022-45134?

Priority 52/100. Critical severity; Remotely exploitable, no login, no user action

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References

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