CVE-2016-5715 in Puppet Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
Open redirect vulnerability in the Console in Puppet Enterprise 2015.x and 2016.x before 2016.4.0 allows remote attackers to redirect users to arbitrary web sites and conduct phishing attacks via a // (slash slash) followed by a domain in the redirect parameter. NOTE: this vulnerability exists because of an incomplete fix for CVE-2015-6501.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2026
The CVE-2016-5715 vulnerability represents a critical open redirect flaw within Puppet Enterprise console components affecting versions 2015.x and 2016.x prior to 2016.4.0. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize redirect parameters, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate web application behavior. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes redirect URLs that begin with double forward slashes // followed by a domain name, allowing attackers to craft deceptive URLs that appear legitimate while redirecting users to malicious destinations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental web application pattern of URL redirection where applications accept redirect parameters to guide users between different pages or domains. In affected Puppet Enterprise versions, the console application fails to adequately validate the domain portion of redirect URLs, permitting attackers to inject arbitrary domains through the redirect parameter. This flaw operates at the application layer and specifically targets the authentication and navigation components of the Puppet Enterprise management console. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-601 as an open redirect vulnerability, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security where applications fail to properly validate redirect destinations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection attacks, enabling sophisticated phishing campaigns and credential theft operations. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that appear to originate from legitimate Puppet Enterprise interfaces, tricking users into visiting malicious sites where they may unknowingly enter credentials or sensitive information. The vulnerability's persistence in the product line following the initial CVE-2015-6501 fix demonstrates a critical oversight in the security review process, suggesting inadequate testing of edge cases and potential regression testing gaps. This open redirect vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential phishing via web applications, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Puppet Enterprise manages critical infrastructure configurations.
Organizations utilizing affected Puppet Enterprise versions face significant risk of targeted attacks where attackers exploit this vulnerability to compromise administrator credentials and gain unauthorized access to infrastructure management systems. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical skill and can be automated, making it attractive to threat actors seeking to establish persistent access to enterprise environments. Mitigation strategies must include immediate patching to version 2016.4.0 or later, implementation of proper input validation for redirect parameters, and network-level controls to restrict access to Puppet Enterprise console interfaces. Security teams should also consider deploying web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious redirect patterns within their network traffic, as the vulnerability can be leveraged in combination with other attack vectors to establish more comprehensive compromise scenarios.