URL chaining is the practice of following one web address after another in a repeated sequence. Each request leads to the next page, redirect, or endpoint, so a single browsing action can turn into many automated hops. In security work, this matters because the chain itself may be harmless while the overall pattern becomes risky.
Attackers can use URL chaining to probe access controls, collect data, trigger redirects, or amplify traffic with bots and agents. Defenders watch for unusual bursts of sequential requests, repeated redirects, and automation that keeps moving after a denial or rate limit. Limiting outbound browsing, checking redirect targets, and setting strict trust boundaries help prevent benign link-following from becoming abuse.