CVE-2022-45917 is a security vulnerability classified as an Open Redirect affecting versions of the ILIAS e-learning platform prior to 7.16. An Open Redirect vulnerability (CWE-601) occurs when a web application accepts untrusted input that could cause the application to redirect users to an external, potentially malicious URL. In this case, the vulnerability allows an attacker to craft a URL that appears to be legitimate but redirects users to arbitrary external sites once clicked. This can be exploited in phishing attacks, where users are tricked into clicking a link that seems to originate from a trusted source but leads to malicious websites designed to steal credentials or deliver malware. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.1 (medium severity), with the vector indicating that the attack can be performed remotely (AV:N), requires low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges (PR:N), but requires user interaction (UI:R). The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact on confidentiality and integrity is low (C:L, I:L), and availability is not affected (A:N). No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no official patches are linked, but upgrading to ILIAS 7.16 or later is implied as a mitigation. The vulnerability primarily affects the web interface of ILIAS, which is widely used in educational institutions and organizations for learning management. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to redirect users to phishing or malware sites, potentially compromising user credentials or systems if users fall victim to such attacks. However, the vulnerability itself does not allow direct system compromise or data manipulation within ILIAS without further exploitation.

For European organizations, especially educational institutions and training providers using ILIAS versions before 7.16, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of social engineering attacks. Attackers can exploit the Open Redirect to craft convincing phishing campaigns that appear to originate from trusted educational platforms, increasing the likelihood of credential theft or malware infection. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive academic data, personal information of students and staff, and disruption of learning services. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise system integrity or availability, the indirect consequences of successful phishing attacks can be severe, including data breaches, reputational damage, and compliance violations under GDPR. Organizations relying heavily on ILIAS for remote learning or internal training are at higher risk, as users may be more inclined to trust links from their learning environment. The scope of impact extends beyond the vulnerable application, as compromised credentials or malware infections can affect broader organizational IT infrastructure.

1. Upgrade ILIAS to version 7.16 or later, where the Open Redirect vulnerability has been addressed. 2. Implement strict input validation and URL whitelisting on redirect parameters to ensure only trusted internal URLs are allowed. 3. Employ web application firewalls (WAF) with rules to detect and block suspicious redirect patterns targeting ILIAS endpoints. 4. Conduct user awareness training focused on recognizing phishing attempts, especially those leveraging trusted platforms like ILIAS. 5. Monitor web server and application logs for unusual redirect requests or patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. 6. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) on ILIAS accounts to reduce the impact of credential theft resulting from phishing. 7. For organizations unable to upgrade immediately, consider implementing reverse proxies or URL rewriting rules to sanitize redirect parameters. 8. Regularly review and audit third-party integrations with ILIAS to ensure they do not introduce additional redirect vulnerabilities.