CVE-2019-12781 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2019-12781 affecting Django versions 1.11, 2.1, and 2.2. Understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this HTTP to HTTPS redirection vulnerability.
Django versions 1.11 before 1.11.22, 2.1 before 2.1.10, and 2.2 before 2.2.3 are affected by a vulnerability where HTTP requests are not properly redirected to HTTPS under specific settings. This issue arises when using SECURE_PROXY_SSL_HEADER and SECURE_SSL_REDIRECT settings in conjunction with a proxy connection via HTTPS.
Understanding CVE-2019-12781
This CVE identifies a flaw in Django versions that impacts the proper redirection of HTTP requests to HTTPS under certain configurations.
What is CVE-2019-12781?
The vulnerability in Django versions 1.11, 2.1, and 2.2 causes HTTP requests not to be redirected to HTTPS when specific settings are enabled, leading to potential security risks.
The Impact of CVE-2019-12781
The incorrect behavior of django.http.HttpRequest.scheme in the mentioned Django versions can result in HTTP requests not being redirected to HTTPS as expected, posing a security threat.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-12781
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The issue in Django versions 1.11, 2.1, and 2.2 prevents proper HTTP to HTTPS redirection when using SECURE_PROXY_SSL_HEADER and SECURE_SSL_REDIRECT settings with a proxy connection over HTTPS.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Django 1.11 before 1.11.22
- Django 2.1 before 2.1.10
- Django 2.2 before 2.2.3
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability occurs due to the incorrect behavior of django.http.HttpRequest.scheme when a client communicates with Django using HTTP under specific configurations.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-12781 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Django to the patched versions: 1.11.22, 2.1.10, or 2.2.3
- Disable SECURE_PROXY_SSL_HEADER and SECURE_SSL_REDIRECT settings if not essential
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor Django security advisories
- Implement HTTPS best practices and secure communication protocols
Patching and Updates
- Apply the latest security patches provided by Django to address the vulnerability