CVE-2021-45328 : Security Advisory and Response

Gitea before 1.4.3 is affected by an 'Open Redirect' vulnerability via internal URLs.

Understanding CVE-2021-45328

Gitea version 1.4.3 and below are susceptible to URL Redirection to Untrusted Site, posing security risks.

What is CVE-2021-45328?

This CVE denotes an Open Redirect vulnerability in Gitea versions before 1.4.3, allowing attackers to redirect users to malicious sites through internal URLs.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45328

The vulnerability can lead to phishing attacks, where users are misled to interact with malicious websites, potentially compromising sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45328

Gitea version 1.4.3 and earlier versions contain the following details:

Vulnerability Description

Gitea before 1.4.3 is affected by URL Redirection to Untrusted Site ('Open Redirect') via internal URLs, enabling malicious redirection to dangerous websites.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not Applicable
Vendor: Not Applicable
Versions: Gitea versions before 1.4.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit this vulnerability by crafting URLs within Gitea that redirect users to malicious sites, abusing trust in internal links.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure systems from CVE-2021-45328, follow these security measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Gitea to version 1.4.3 or later to mitigate the Open Redirect vulnerability.
Avoid clicking on suspicious internal URLs to prevent redirection to untrusted sites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate users about phishing and social engineering tactics to enhance awareness.
Regularly monitor and audit internal and external links within Gitea for any malicious redirection attempts.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Gitea promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.