Open Redirect in Password Reset Page via Unvalidated URL Parameter

Executive Summary

This is an open redirect vulnerability in Red Hat's FreeIPA Web UI. The reset_password.html page uses the 'url' query parameter to redirect users after password reset without validating it. Attackers can craft malicious links to redirect victims to phishing or malicious sites.

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Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, inspect the reset_password.html page for improper handling of the 'url' parameter. Check web server logs for unusual redirect patterns or external domain accesses following password reset requests. No specific commands are provided in the context, but monitoring for arbitrary redirects to external sites is recommended.

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Impact Analysis

The main impact is facilitating phishing or social-engineering attacks. Users may be tricked into visiting malicious sites after completing a password reset, potentially leading to credential theft or malware installation. The vulnerability requires user interaction to exploit.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability primarily facilitates phishing or social-engineering attacks by redirecting users to malicious sites after password reset. While it does not directly expose sensitive data, it could indirectly contribute to compliance violations under GDPR or HIPAA by enabling unauthorized access or data breaches through user deception. Organizations must mitigate this risk to maintain compliance with data protection requirements.

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Mitigation Strategies

Implement strict allowlisting for the 'url' parameter to restrict redirects to trusted same-origin paths or HTTPS hosts. Alternatively, replace raw URLs with server-generated signed return tokens. Ensure UI navigation helpers reject dangerous schemes and external origins. Apply vendor patches if available.

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