Django Package Vulnerability: Arbitrary URL Redirection and Phishing Risk
Summary
CVE-2016-2512: The utils.http.is_safe_url function in Django before 1.8.10 and 1.9.x before 1.9.3 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks or possibly conduct cross-site scripting (X... Affects python-django across 2 version ranges.
< 1.9.4-1
< c5544d289233f501917e25970c03ed444abbd4f0
Fixed in 1.9.4-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
Django is a high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. It provides a robust set of features for building web applications, including an ORM, authentication, and URL routing. However, prior to versions 1.8.10 and 1.9.3, Django's utils.http.is_safe_url function was susceptible to a vulnerability that allowed attackers to redirect users to malicious websites, potentially leading to phishing attacks.
Vulnerability Detail
The utils.http.is_safe_url function in Django versions before 1.8.10 and 1.9.x before 1.9.3 is vulnerable to an issue that allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites. This vulnerability can be exploited by crafting a URL that includes basic authentication, which can lead to phishing attacks or cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. The vulnerability arises from improper validation of URLs, allowing attackers to manipulate the redirection process.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.9.4-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade python-djangoTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading is not immediately possible, consider implementing a custom URL validation function that strictly checks the allowed domains and does not permit URLs with embedded credentials. This can help mitigate the risk until an upgrade can be performed.
Conclusion
The CVE-2016-2512 vulnerability in Django poses significant risks, including the potential for phishing attacks through arbitrary URL redirection. It is crucial for developers using affected versions to upgrade to at least version 1.9.4 to ensure the security of their applications.
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FAQ
CVE-2016-2512 is a vulnerability in Django that allows attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites, potentially leading to phishing attacks.
Django versions before 1.8.10 and 1.9.x before 1.9.3 are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use Vulert's playground to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 7.4, indicating a high severity level.
If immediate upgrading is not possible, implement a custom URL validation function to restrict allowed domains and mitigate risks.
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