CVE-2026-25149 identifies an Open Redirect vulnerability (CWE-601) in the Qwik JavaScript framework, specifically within Qwik City's default request handler middleware. This vulnerability affects all versions prior to 1.19.0. The flaw allows an attacker to manipulate URL redirection parameters to redirect users to arbitrary protocol-relative URLs, which are URLs that inherit the protocol (HTTP or HTTPS) from the current page. Because the redirection appears to originate from a trusted domain, attackers can craft phishing URLs that deceive users into visiting malicious sites, potentially leading to credential theft or malware delivery. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction to be exploited, but the impact is limited to phishing facilitation rather than direct system compromise. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 2.7 (low severity), reflecting the limited scope and impact. No known exploits have been reported in the wild, and the issue was patched in Qwik version 1.19.0. The vulnerability highlights the importance of validating and sanitizing URL parameters used in redirection to prevent abuse. Organizations using Qwik versions below 1.19.0 in their web applications should upgrade immediately to mitigate this risk.

For European organizations, the primary impact of this vulnerability is an increased risk of successful phishing attacks leveraging trusted domain URLs to redirect users to malicious sites. This can lead to credential compromise, data theft, or malware infections if users are deceived. While the vulnerability itself does not allow direct system compromise or data manipulation, the phishing vector can be a stepping stone for broader attacks. Organizations with customer-facing web applications or internal portals built on vulnerable Qwik versions are at risk. The low CVSS score indicates limited direct technical impact, but the social engineering risk can have significant business consequences, including reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny under GDPR if user data is compromised. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially as attackers often weaponize such vulnerabilities post-disclosure.

The most effective mitigation is to upgrade all Qwik framework instances to version 1.19.0 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Organizations should audit their web applications to identify usage of Qwik versions prior to 1.19.0 and prioritize updates. Additionally, developers should implement strict validation and sanitization of all URL parameters used in redirection logic, ensuring only trusted and intended URLs are allowed. Employing allowlists for redirect destinations rather than open parameters can prevent abuse. Web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block suspicious redirect patterns. User awareness training about phishing risks and suspicious links can reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation. Monitoring for unusual redirect traffic and phishing attempts targeting the organization's domains is also recommended.