Generic Open Redirect Vulnerability Scanner

An attacker can exploit an open redirect vulnerability by entering a malicious URL into the application. When the user clicks on the link, they will be redirected to the attacker's website instead of the desired destination. This can allow the attacker to steal the user's credentials, launch a phishing attack, or install malware on their computer.

Open redirect vulnerabilities are often found in web applications that use redirection mechanisms, such as HTTP redirects and JavaScript redirects. These mechanisms can be used to redirect a user to a different page or website after they have clicked on a link or submitted a form.

Open redirect vulnerabilities can be difficult to detect since they usually do not result in any errors or warnings. The best way to find them is by using automated vulnerability scanning tools such as S4E open redirect vulnerability scanner.

Open Redirect Vulnerability Example / Sample Code

Pseudocode for open redirect vulnerability is given below:

redirect_to(get_input('url'))

Let's say if a user can send a request like ?url=/another-page. The code will redirect the user to /another-page. However, also an attacker uses this redirect mechanism to redirect a malicious website by creating a URL like ?url=https://harmfulpage

Open Redirect in Combination with Other Attack

Open redirect vulnerabilities can be combined with other attack vectors to increase the impact of the attack. Some of the most common attack vectors that are used in combination with open redirects are:

1. Phishing - Phishing attacks are often launched from malicious websites that have been set up by the attacker. By exploiting an open redirect vulnerability, the attacker can redirect the user to their website, which will look like a legitimate website. This can allow the attacker to steal the user's credentials or install malware on their computer. Most of people will click trustedwebpage.com/?url=harmful-fakepage.com instead of clicking directly harmful-fakepage.com
2. Social Engineering - Social engineering attacks are designed to exploit human vulnerabilities rather than technical vulnerabilities.Open redirect vulnerabilities can be exploited to redirect the user to a website that is designed to look like a trusted site, such as their bank or email provider. This can allow the attacker to steal the user's credentials or install malware on their computer.
3. Malware Attacks - Open redirect vulnerabilities can also be exploited to install malware on the user's computer. By redirecting the user to a malicious website, the attacker can install malware without the user's knowledge or consent. This can allow the attacker to take control of the user's computer or steal their data.

Open redirect vulnerabilities can be difficult to detect and prevent, but there are several ways that developers can protect against them.