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JavaScript-based Redirect

It refers to a redirect mechanism implemented within a webpage using JavaScript code instead of standard HTTP response headers. Once the script executes, the visitor is automatically redirected to another URL or domain, often without any visible interaction.

Analyst Q&A

What this signal answers

The questions every analyst asks before acting on this signal.

What it detects01

What does 'JavaScript-based Redirect' mean in web or SOC analysis?

It refers to a redirect mechanism implemented within a webpage using JavaScript code instead of standard HTTP response headers. Once the script executes, the visitor is automatically redirected to another URL or domain, often without any visible interaction.

Why it matters02

Why is a JavaScript-based redirect considered suspicious in threat intelligence?

Because it is commonly used by threat actors to hide the final destination of a redirect chain, evade URL filtering systems, or deliver malicious payloads selectively. Such redirects are frequently found in phishing kits, malvertising, and exploit delivery frameworks.

How analysts use it03

Are all JavaScript-based redirects malicious?

No. Some websites use JavaScript redirects for legitimate reasons, such as localization or session tracking. However, unexpected or hidden redirects should raise suspicion, especially when found on compromised or newly registered domains.

Often paired with:alert_only
Evidence shape

What JavaScript-based Redirect looks like in the response

A realistic shape of the entry the engine appends to the risk_signals array when this signal fires. Evidence keys are subgroup-default; per-signal overrides documented in the API reference.

json
{
  "slug": "redirect_via_javascript",
  "name": "JavaScript-based Redirect",
  "group": "http_crawling_history",
  "subgroup": "web_behavior_structure",
  "direction": "malicious",
  "evidence": {
    "url_shortener_chain": false,
    "auto_refresh_seconds": null,
    "direct_ip_link": false,
    "browser_interaction_required": true
  }
}
See in API reference
Siblings

Peers in Web Behavior & Structure

9 other signals share the same subgroup. They detect related behaviors and often co-fire on the same IOC.

Malicious Redirect Behavior

It refers to the automatic forwarding of a user or system request from one domain to another destination. Redirects can …

MaliciousCore
Redirects to Known Safe Domain

The domain redirects to a destination classified as safe or technology-related.

Safe
Injected Iframe

An injected iframe refers to an HTML frame embedded within a web page that loads content from an external or malicious d…

MaliciousCore
Direct Connection to an IP Address

It refers to the action of accessing a resource using a direct IP address instead of a domain name. Threat actors often …

Malicious
Show 5 more in Web Behavior & Structure

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