pkp OJS/OMP/OPS prior 3.3.0.21/3.4.0.8 User XML Plugin backdoor
| CVSS Meta Temp Score | Current Exploit Price (≈) | CTI Interest Score |
|---|---|---|
| 5.3 | $0-$5k | 1.05 |
Summary
A vulnerability categorized as critical has been discovered in pkp OJS, OMP and OPS. Affected is an unknown function of the component User XML Plugin Handler. The manipulation results in backdoor. This vulnerability is cataloged as CVE-2024-56525. There is no exploit available. It is advisable to upgrade the affected component.
Details
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in pkp OJS, OMP and OPS. Affected is an unknown functionality of the component User XML Plugin Handler. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a backdoor vulnerability. CWE is classifying the issue as CWE-912. The product contains functionality that is not documented, not part of the specification, and not accessible through an interface or command sequence that is obvious to the product's users or administrators. This is going to have an impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. CVE summarizes:
In Public Knowledge Project (PKP) OJS, OMP, and OPS before 3.3.0.21 and 3.4.x before 3.4.0.8, an XXE attack by the Journal Editor Role can create a new role as super admin in the journal context, and insert a backdoor plugin, by uploading a crafted XML document as a User XML Plugin.
The advisory is shared for download at openjournaltheme.com. This vulnerability is traded as CVE-2024-56525 since 12/27/2024. The exploitability is told to be easy. There are neither technical details nor an exploit publicly available. The MITRE ATT&CK project declares the attack technique as T1588.001.
Upgrading to version 3.3.0.21 or 3.4.0.8 eliminates this vulnerability.
The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at EUVD (EUVD-2025-4265). Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Product
Vendor
Name
CPE 2.3
CPE 2.2
CVSSv4
VulDB Vector: 🔍VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv3
VulDB Meta Base Score: 5.5VulDB Meta Temp Score: 5.3
VulDB Base Score: 5.5
VulDB Temp Score: 5.3
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
CVSSv2
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| Vector | Complexity | Authentication | Confidentiality | Integrity | Availability |
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍
Exploiting
Class: BackdoorCWE: CWE-912
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍
Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Partially
Availability: 🔍
Status: Not defined
EPSS Score: 🔍
EPSS Percentile: 🔍
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍
| 0-Day | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Today | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock | Unlock |
Threat Intelligence
Interest: 🔍Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍
Countermeasures
Recommended: UpgradeStatus: 🔍
0-Day Time: 🔍
Upgrade: OJS/OMP/OPS 3.3.0.21/3.4.0.8
Timeline
12/27/2024 🔍02/25/2025 🔍
02/25/2025 🔍
05/31/2025 🔍
Sources
Advisory: openjournaltheme.comStatus: Confirmed
CVE: CVE-2024-56525 (🔍)
GCVE (CVE): GCVE-0-2024-56525
GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-296724
EUVD: 🔍
Entry
Created: 02/25/2025 04:13Updated: 05/31/2025 15:22
Changes: 02/25/2025 04:13 (54), 05/31/2025 15:22 (1)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216::103
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
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