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CVE-2026-42164 – Information Disclosure via Text Block Content Recall – Mahara before 25.04.5 and 26

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Summary

CVE-2026-42164 is an incorrect access control vulnerability in Mahara’s Text block/section functionality that allows unauthorized retrieval of backed-up content belonging to another user’s Text section. The flaw is remotely exploitable over the network with no authentication or user interaction required, and NVD rates it CRITICAL with a base score of 9.8.

Technical details

  • Root cause: Mahara’s Text block feature retains backed-up content, and the application fails to properly restrict access to that backup data, allowing it to be recalled from a different Text section than the one it belongs to.
  • Trigger condition: A specially crafted request/call to the Text block recall functionality causes the application to return backed-up content associated with another Text section (belonging to another user or page).
  • Attack vector: Network-based (AV:N), low attack complexity, no privileges and no user interaction required.
  • Impact: Confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact are all rated High per the CVSS vector, reflecting exposure of sensitive user-generated content that was not intended to be shared.

Affected software

  • Mahara versions before 25.04.5
  • Mahara 26.04.0

Severity

  • CVSS v3.1 Base Score: 9.8 (Critical)
  • Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Mitigation and recommended actions

  • Immediate: Upgrade to Mahara 25.04.5, 26.04.0 (fixed release), or a later maintained version.
  • If no patch can be applied immediately: Restrict network access to the Mahara instance where possible, monitor for unusual access patterns to Text block/backup recall endpoints, and consider engaging the vendor’s Extended Security Support program if running an unsupported release branch.

References

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