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SPECIFICTION
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OpenLock

github.com

Linux
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Spec score 7.2 #19 of 22 in Lockdown Browser Software

What it is

OpenLock is a free, open-source lockdown exam browser built natively for Linux. It aims to provide Safe Exam Browser-style controls, but the project states that it is not exam-ready because SEB key derivation is not byte-exact and the LMS handshake currently fails. It parses .seb files and sends Browser Exam Key and Config Key headers, although those keys do not yet match an LMS handshake. Kiosk mode uses fullscreen takeover through X11 or Wayland/Cage. A process guard monitors and terminates prohibited software such as screen recorders, virtual machines, and remote desktop tools. Input controls block shortcuts including Alt+Tab, Alt+F4, Ctrl+C, and PrintScreen, while browser hardening disables developer tools, downloads, right-click, console access, and drag-and-drop. Security measures include URL filtering, cgroups v2 isolation, VM/debugger/hypervisor detection, optional self-hash checks, and an off-the-record profile. Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard adapters are listed but not validated live.

Spec sheet

Purpose
OpenLock is an open-source lockdown exam browser for Linux intended to bring Safe Exam Browser style exam lockdown to Linux distributions.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
License
The repository says the project follows the Mozilla Public License 2.0 and allows proprietary use if modifications to MPL-licensed files remain open.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Browser hardening
It disables developer tools, view source, downloads, right-click, console access and drag-and-drop.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Browser restrictions
Browser hardening disables DevTools, View Source, downloads, right-click, console and drag-and-drop.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Contribution support
The maker welcomes contributions and asks contributors to open an issue before making changes.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Current limitation
The repository states that OpenLock is not exam-ready because its SEB key derivation is not yet byte-exact and the LMS handshake fails.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Data handling
The security model specifies an off-the-record browser profile with no persistent storage and permissions denied by default.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Distribution packaging
AppImage, .deb, .rpm and Flatpak packaging are listed as planned rather than available releases.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Exam status
The project says it is not exam-ready because its SEB key derivation is not byte-exact and has not been validated against a live LMS.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Input lockdown
It blocks escape shortcuts including Alt+Tab, Alt+F4, Ctrl+C and PrintScreen and restricts clipboard use.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Input restrictions
Input lockdown blocks shortcuts including Alt+Tab, Alt+F4, Ctrl+C and PrintScreen, as well as clipboard use.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Integrity checks
The project lists VM, debugger and hypervisor detection, plus optional self-hash verification, as security measures.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Kiosk mode
Its kiosk mode uses fullscreen takeover via X11 override-redirect or a Wayland/Cage compositor.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Linux requirements
The stated prerequisites include Ubuntu 22.04 or later, Fedora 38 or later, or Arch Linux, along with Qt6 and QtWebEngine.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
LMS integrations
The project lists adapters for Moodle, Canvas and Blackboard, but says it has not been tested against live instances of those LMS platforms.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Native Linux app
It is built natively for Linux rather than through a compatibility layer.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Navigation controls
OpenLock supports URL whitelist and blacklist filtering and navigation policy enforcement.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Process guard
It monitors and kills prohibited processes such as screen recorders, virtual machines and remote-desktop tools.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Process protection
A process guard monitors and kills prohibited processes such as screen recorders, virtual machines and remote desktop software.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
SEB protocol
It parses .seb configuration files and attaches Browser Exam Key and Config Key headers to requests, but the project says these keys currently will not match an LMS handshake.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Security model
Its security model uses cgroups v2 process isolation, input capture, an off-the-record browser profile, denied permissions and URL filtering.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Supported distributions
The documented prerequisites include Ubuntu 22.04 or newer, Fedora 38 or newer and Arch Linux.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Validation status
The project has not been validated against a live Moodle, Canvas or Blackboard instance.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free MPL 2.0 project
  • Native Linux application
  • Blocks app switching and clipboard use
  • Process guard targets prohibited software
  • Supports URL whitelist and blacklist policies

Limits

  • Project states it is not exam-ready
  • LMS handshake keys currently do not match
  • Live Moodle, Canvas, and Blackboard validation absent
  • AppImage, deb, rpm, and Flatpak packages planned

Who it suits

OpenLock suits Linux contributors or administrators evaluating an open-source exam-lockdown project before production validation.

Verdict

OpenLock documents extensive Linux lockdown and isolation controls, but its own status excludes exam-ready use. Treat it as a project requiring protocol fixes and live LMS validation.

Where Specifiction places it

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