CVE-2024-25438 in ojs
Summary
by MITRE • 03/02/2024
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the Submission 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 • 04/18/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-25438 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Pkp Ojs v3.3 platform's Submission module, specifically targeting the Input subject field during the Add Discussion function. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, where improper validation of user input allows malicious actors to inject executable scripts into web applications. The affected component resides within the discussion submission functionality, which is a core feature for researchers and editors to communicate about manuscripts within the open journal system. The vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly sanitize or encode user-supplied input before rendering it within the web interface, creating an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious payloads.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious payload that targets the subject field within the Add Discussion interface. When a victim views the discussion thread containing the crafted input, the malicious script executes within the victim's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate discussion functionality of the platform, making it more difficult for users to distinguish between benign and malicious content. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate output encoding mechanisms that are fundamental security controls in web application development. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through Phishing, where attackers could use this XSS vulnerability to deliver malicious payloads to unsuspecting users.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-25438 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can compromise the integrity of the entire journal management system. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to manipulate discussion threads, inject false information, or redirect users to phishing sites designed to harvest credentials from legitimate users. The vulnerability affects the platform's trust model since discussion threads are typically considered safe communication channels between researchers and editorial staff. In a production environment, this could lead to reputational damage, data compromise, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability also undermines the security posture of institutions relying on OJS for academic publishing, as it provides attackers with a persistent entry point that could be used for further attacks within the network. Organizations using Pkp Ojs v3.3 must consider that this vulnerability could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to sensitive academic communications and manuscript data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-25438 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. The primary defense involves sanitizing all user inputs before rendering them in the web interface, implementing proper HTML encoding for dynamic content, and utilizing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads attempting to exploit this vulnerability. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the OJS platform. The recommended remediation includes upgrading to the latest version of Pkp Ojs where this vulnerability has been patched, implementing proper input validation routines, and establishing secure coding practices that prevent similar issues in future development cycles. Additionally, administrators should monitor user-generated content for suspicious patterns and implement user education programs to raise awareness about the potential risks of interacting with untrusted discussion threads. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices and the necessity of thorough code reviews focusing on input/output handling within web applications.