Security & SSL

Insecure Redirect

An insecure redirect occurs when a URL redirects through HTTP before reaching the HTTPS destination, or when a redirect chain includes HTTP hops. This creates a window for man-in-the-middle attacks where an attacker can intercept the unencrypted HTTP request and redirect the user to a malicious site instead.

Symptoms

  • HTTP to HTTPS redirect happening via 302 instead of 301
  • Redirect chain passing through HTTP intermediate URLs
  • Browser briefly showing HTTP before landing on HTTPS
  • Security scanners flagging insecure redirect chains

Common Causes

  • HTTP to HTTPS redirect configured as 302 (temporary) instead of 301 (permanent)
  • Multi-hop redirects where one hop uses HTTP
  • Load balancer redirecting to HTTP backend before HTTPS frontend
  • CMS or application generating HTTP URLs in redirects
  • HSTS not enabled to prevent initial HTTP request

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

  1. 1

    Check HTTP headers and redirects

    Trace the full redirect chain from HTTP to final HTTPS destination.

    Use HTTP Headers →
  2. 2

    Test for open redirects

    Check if your domain is vulnerable to open redirect attacks.

  3. 3

    Fix redirect chain

    Ensure all redirects go directly to HTTPS (no HTTP intermediate hops) using 301 status codes.

  4. 4

    Enable HSTS

    Add Strict-Transport-Security header to prevent future HTTP requests.

    Use HTTP Headers →
  5. 5

    Verify SSL is valid

    Confirm the HTTPS endpoint has a valid, trusted certificate.

    Use SSL Certificate Check →

Recommended Diagnostic Tools

HTTP HeadersSSL Certificate Check

Monitor Redirect Security

Track redirect chains and detect insecure hops.

Related Problems

Frequently Asked Questions