URL Redirection

Today, websites are exposed to various threats that exploit their vulnerabilities. A compromised website will be used as a stepping-stone and will serve attackers’ evil purposes. For instance, URL redirection mechanisms have been widely used as a means to perform web-based attacks covertly. For example an attacker injects a redirect code into a compromised web site so that a victim who visits the site will be automatically navigated to a malware distribution site. Although many defense operations against malicious websites have been developed,we still encounter many active malicious websites today. 

The insight obtained from analyzing the observed ecosystem helps network and security operators disrupt attack campaigns in appropriate points and layers corresponding to the distinct purpose, mechanism, and strategy. For this purpose,it is essential to reveal the purposes of attacks, mechanisms of redirection, and strategies to conduct attacks to gain security knowledge in a timely manner as well as protocol-level measurements such as passive DNS and web proxy.

To summarize, almost all injected redirect codes were developed in obfuscated JavaScript to conceal redirect destinations. Gradually increasing DNS lookup failures resulted from the large  amount  of  domains  that  are  obviously  AGDs. The drive-by download sequences often involve an intermediate website to control redirections. 

How to Spot a URL Redirection Vulnerability

Stealthy attacks are difficult to diagnose, and this includes URL redirection. Some website owners don’t realize cyber criminals are at work until their web hosts suspend their sites or they experience significant drops in website traffic after checking tools such as Google Analytics.

In addition, search engines also perform regular site scans and will blacklist websites if they detect an infection. Additionally, it could take quite some time before Google notifies you that your site is unsafe. This leaves your site’s visitors susceptible to potential security threats and puts your brand reputation at risk.

It’s important that website owners be proactive when it comes to their website’s health and security. They can do this by using cyber security solutions that alert them to these attacks the moment they occur.

How to Stop URL Redirection

Fortunately, protecting your website and your customers doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Start with these three important steps:

1. Use a web application firewall.

A web application firewall is a great first line of defense for directing malicious actors away from your website. Using a WAF guards your site against the most common types of attacks, and some solutions even provide security reports that highlight important data (such as site traffic). This gives you the opportunity to monitor your traffic for significant declines, which is also one key sign of a URL redirect attack.

2. Use an automated website scanner.

An automated website scanner will help you detect malware in your site’s files and database faster than if you review them on your own. An effective website scanner should be able to detect and remove these active infections on a daily basis to minimize negative impacts on your business and customers.

3. Keep software up-to-date.

Cyber criminals typically gain unauthorized access to small business websites by exploiting outdated code. If you use a content management system, third-party plugins or widgets, or other software to enhance your site, you must be diligent about updating it. Implement the patches and updates that developers release to fix existing vulnerabilities and mitigate new threats.

The cyber security landscape is changing rapidly each day, and it can be difficult to keep up with on your own. Having a trusted cyber security partner who knows how to prevent these attacks can save you time and keep your customers safe. Your customers’ trust is vital to the health of your small business don’t let cyber criminals take advantage of it. Take the steps above to protect your customers and ensure you can mitigate a URL redirection attack quickly.