OpenRefine has a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability (XSS) in GData extension (authorized.vt)GHSA-pw3x-c5vp-mfc3
HIGHFix: OpenRefine/OpenRefine@10bf087GHSA-pw3x-c5vp-mfc3 is a high-severity (CVSS 8.1) Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in org.openrefine:extensions. 1 public exploit or proof-of-concept reference is indexed, so weaponization risk is real. A fix is available for org.openrefine:extensions — see the affected versions and patch details below.
Exploitation Status
Proof-of-concept exploit code exists
- CISA’s SSVC triage found public proof-of-concept exploit code for this CVE, though no confirmed active exploitation.
- A successful exploit gives an attacker total control of the affected component, not partial access.
Exploitation and automatability from CISA’s SSVC triage for GHSA-pw3x-c5vp-mfc3.
EPSS Exploitation Probability
Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days, from FIRST.org EPSS.
How urgent is this, really
Where this sits among everything scored
Real-World Exposure
org.openrefine:extensionsReal-time download stats are indexed for npm and PyPI packages. This vulnerability affects Maven packages — download data is not available via public APIs for these ecosystems.
Description
Summary
The /extension/gdata/authorized endpoint includes the state GET parameter verbatim in a <script> tag in the output, so without escaping.
An attacker could lead or redirect a user to a crafted URL containing JavaScript code, which would then cause that code to be executed in the victim's browser as if it was part of OpenRefine.
Details
The state GET parameter is read from:
- extensions/gdata/module/MOD-INF/controller.js:105
It is used (as $state) in:
- extensions/gdata/module/authorized.vt:43
There is no check that the state has the expected format (base64-encoded JSON with values like "openrefine123..." and "cb123..."), or that the page was indeed opened as part of the authorization flow.
PoC
Navigate to:
http://localhost:3333/extension/gdata/authorized?state=%22,alert(1),%22&error=
An alert box pops up.
The gdata extension needs to be present. No other configuration is needed; specifically, it is not required to have a client ID or client secret set.
Impact
Execution of arbitrary JavaScript in the user's browser. The attacker-provided code can do anything the user can do, including deleting projects, retrieving database passwords, or executing arbitrary Jython or Closure expressions, if those extensions are also present.
Affected Packages
| Ecosystem | Package | Vulnerable range | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| ☕Maven | org.openrefine:extensions | all versions | 3.8.3org.openrefine:extensions:3.8.3 |
Affected Products
openrefineopenrefineResearch use only. For defensive security, authorized penetration testing, and academic research only. Never execute exploit code against systems without explicit written authorization.
Detection & mitigation playbook
Open-source dependencyDetect
Scan your dependency tree (package-lock.json, pnpm-lock.yaml, requirements.txt, go.sum, etc.) for org.openrefine:extensions, including transitive dependencies — a direct dependency you never call can still pull in a vulnerable version.
Fix
Update org.openrefine:extensions to 3.8.3 or later, then make sure no transitive (indirect) dependency still pins the vulnerable range — O3 confirms GHSA-pw3x-c5vp-mfc3 is resolved across your whole dependency graph.
Workarounds
Escape or sanitise the affected output on the server side rather than relying on client-side filtering, and add a Content-Security-Policy that blocks inline script execution so injected markup cannot run even if it reaches the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is GHSA-pw3x-c5vp-mfc3 in your dependencies?
Find it across Maven, including transitive dependencies.