CVE-2024-25436 in ojs
Summary
by MITRE • 03/02/2024
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Production module of Pkp Ojs v3.3 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload injected into the Input subject field under the Add Discussion function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/09/2025
This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the Production module of the Public Knowledge Project Open Journal System version 3.3, representing a critical security flaw that enables attackers to inject malicious scripts into web applications. The vulnerability specifically manifests when users interact with the Add Discussion function where the Input subject field serves as an injection point for crafted payloads. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it within the web application interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into web page content without proper validation or encoding. Attackers can exploit this by submitting malicious script code within the subject field of the discussion form, which then gets executed in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected content. This creates a persistent XSS vector that can be leveraged for session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the entire journal management system. When authenticated users view discussions containing malicious payloads, their browser sessions become vulnerable to manipulation, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive data, modify content, or perform unauthorized actions within the application. The attack surface is particularly concerning in academic environments where multiple researchers and administrators interact with the system, creating numerous potential entry points for exploitation.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. The primary remediation involves implementing strict input validation and output encoding mechanisms that sanitize all user-supplied data before processing or rendering. This approach aligns with the ATT&CK framework's mitigation strategies for web application attacks, specifically targeting the execution phase of attacks through proper data sanitization. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution, while ensuring regular security updates and patch management processes are maintained. Additionally, comprehensive user education regarding the dangers of clicking suspicious links or entering untrusted data into web forms remains crucial for reducing exploitation success rates.
The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining robust security practices throughout the software development lifecycle, particularly in web applications handling user-generated content. It underscores the necessity of implementing proper input validation frameworks and output encoding mechanisms as recommended by OWASP Top Ten security guidelines. Regular security assessments and code reviews focusing on user input handling can prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future releases of the platform.