CVE-2021-46898 : Security Advisory and Response

Django Grappelli before 2.15.2 is vulnerable to an external redirection bypass due to improper handling of protocol-relative URLs.

Understanding CVE-2021-46898

Django Grappelli's views/switch.py component is impacted by this vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-46898?

The issue arises from the incorrect implementation of redirection prevention logic, which leaves the system open to attacks using protocol-relative URLs.

The Impact of CVE-2021-46898

This vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to conduct external redirection attacks, potentially leading to phishing or other security threats.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-46898

The technical specifics of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in views/switch.py allows for bypassing external redirection prevention mechanisms.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Affected Version: <2.15.2

Exploitation Mechanism

By utilizing a protocol-relative URL, attackers can circumvent the startswith("/") protection, enabling them to redirect users to malicious sites.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-46898.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Django Grappelli to version 2.15.2 or later to address the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict any external redirection attempts within the application.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to avoid redirection bypass issues.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by Django Grappelli.