CVE-2026-25198 in web2py
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2026
web2py versions 2.27.1-stable+timestamp.2023.11.16.08.03.57 and prior contain an open redirect vulnerability. If this vulnerability is exploited, the user may be redirected to an arbitrary website when accessing a specially crafted URL. As a result, the user may become a victim of a phishing attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2026-25198 represents a critical open redirect flaw within the web2py web framework version 2.27.1-stable+timestamp.2023.11.16.08.03.57 and earlier releases. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-601, which specifically addresses open redirect vulnerabilities in web applications. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate or sanitize redirect parameters, allowing malicious actors to craft URLs that redirect users to arbitrary external domains. The vulnerability exists in the framework's handling of redirect operations, which are commonly used for authentication flows, password reset mechanisms, and user navigation between different application sections. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing specially crafted URLs that contain malicious redirect targets, potentially leading to user confusion and security risk.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the web2py framework's redirect handling mechanisms. When users encounter links or buttons that trigger redirects, the application should verify that the destination URL belongs to the trusted domain or explicitly validate the redirect target against a predefined whitelist. However, in affected versions, this validation process is either absent or inadequately implemented, allowing attackers to manipulate the redirect behavior. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer, where users are often least suspicious of malicious redirection attempts. The flaw can be exploited through various vectors including email links, social engineering campaigns, or compromised web pages that contain malicious redirect parameters. The specific timestamped version indicates that this vulnerability has existed for some time and was not properly addressed in the framework's security updates, making it a persistent threat for organizations still using older web2py installations.
The operational impact of CVE-2026-25198 extends beyond simple user inconvenience, creating significant security risks that align with the tactics described in the attack phase of the MITRE ATT&CK framework. Users who are redirected to malicious sites may unknowingly provide sensitive information such as login credentials, personal data, or financial details to attackers. The vulnerability enables phishing attacks that can be highly sophisticated and difficult to detect, as the initial redirect appears to originate from a legitimate web2py application. Organizations running affected web2py versions face potential reputational damage, regulatory compliance issues, and increased risk of credential theft or data breaches. The attack surface is particularly broad since web2py is commonly used for web applications that handle sensitive user data, making the exploitation of this vulnerability potentially devastating for businesses relying on the framework. The open redirect can be leveraged as a stepping stone for more advanced attacks, including credential harvesting, session hijacking, or malware distribution, as described in various ATT&CK techniques related to initial access and credential access phases.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The most effective approach involves upgrading to web2py versions that have been patched against this specific flaw, ensuring that all redirect parameters are properly validated and sanitized. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of their web2py applications to identify any custom code that might be susceptible to similar redirect vulnerabilities. Network security controls including web application firewalls and URL filtering mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection by blocking known malicious redirect patterns. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can help mitigate the impact of open redirect vulnerabilities by restricting the domains to which applications can redirect users. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify potential redirect-related vulnerabilities in web2py applications. Organizations should also implement user education programs to help employees recognize phishing attempts that may exploit this vulnerability, particularly when navigating to unfamiliar or unexpected domains. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation mechanisms across all web applications to prevent similar security flaws from being exploited in the future.