Open Journal Systems pkp-lib Open Redirect Scanner

The Open Journal Systems pkp-lib is an integral part of a larger suite of tools by the Public Knowledge Project (PKP) aimed at public and open-access publishing. It is primarily used by scholarly publishing entities to manage and publish academic journals. Its widespread adoption makes it a vital tool for academic institutions, universities, and research organizations seeking to streamline the publishing process. Users find it highly beneficial for its range of customization options, allowing them to tailor their publishing needs specifically. The pkp-lib forms the core library for many PKP applications, ensuring that the software remains up-to-date with current web technologies. It is hailed for promoting open-access, enhancing academic accessibility and sharing.

An Open Redirect vulnerability arises when an application includes untrusted user input when computing the destination of a redirection. In the context of the Open Journal Systems pkp-lib, this vulnerability is caused by a lack of proper input sanitization in a key function. By exploiting this weakness, attackers can manipulate redirection requests to lead users to malicious sites. This can result in users being fooled into trusting malicious links, potentially compromising their security and sensitive information. The Open Redirect flaw is notably exploited in phishing attacks, where unsuspecting users are lured into revealing confidential data.

The vulnerability specifically exists in the setLocale function within the pkp-lib due to inadequate input validation. When a new locale is set, the source parameter can be manipulated to include untrusted redirection data. The vulnerable endpoint is typically accessed through a crafted GET request. Attackers can inject a malformed URL, leading to a redirection to external sites under their control. Such unchecked redirects may occur in user browser headers or other interactions that depend on locale-setting functionalities. This vulnerability highlights the critical need for input sanitization in applications to prevent such redirection manipulations.

When malicious actors exploit an open redirect vulnerability, they can easily redirect users to phishing sites. This not only compromises personal information but also risks downloading malware onto user systems under the guise of a legitimate redirect. Furthermore, the credibility of the affected platform can be damaged as users lose trust in the authenticity and security of the platform's operations. Redirects to mal-intended domains contribute to data breaches and unauthorized access issues for unsuspecting users. The reputational damage from such vulnerabilities can have long-term impacts on the affected application's user base.