Authentication Bypass
Authentication bypass attacks exploit flaws in the verification mechanisms that control access to systems and applications.
How It Works
Authentication bypass attacks exploit flaws in the verification mechanisms that control access to systems and applications. Instead of cracking passwords through brute force, attackers manipulate the authentication process itself to gain unauthorized entry. This typically occurs through one of several pathways: exploiting hardcoded credentials embedded in source code or configuration files, manipulating parameters in authentication requests to skip verification steps, or leveraging broken session management that fails to properly validate user identity.
The attack flow often begins with reconnaissance to identify authentication endpoints and their underlying logic. Attackers may probe for default administrative credentials that were never changed, test whether certain URL paths bypass login requirements entirely, or intercept and modify authentication tokens to escalate privileges. In multi-step authentication processes, flaws in state management can allow attackers to complete only partial verification steps while still gaining full access.
More sophisticated variants exploit single sign-on (SSO) or OAuth implementations where misconfigurations in trust relationships allow attackers to forge authentication assertions. Parameter tampering—such as changing a "role=user" field to "role=admin" in a request—can trick poorly designed systems into granting elevated access without proper verification.
Impact
- Complete account takeover — attackers gain full control of user accounts, including administrative accounts, without knowing legitimate credentials
- Unauthorized data access — ability to view, modify, or exfiltrate sensitive information including customer data, financial records, and intellectual property
- System-wide compromise — admin-level access enables installation of backdoors, modification of security controls, and complete infrastructure takeover
- Lateral movement — bypassed authentication provides a foothold for moving deeper into networks and accessing additional systems
- Compliance violations — unauthorized access triggers breach notification requirements and regulatory penalties
Real-World Examples
CrushFTP suffered a critical authentication bypass allowing attackers to access file-sharing functionality without any credentials. The vulnerability enabled direct server-side template injection, leading to remote code execution on affected systems. Attackers actively exploited this in the wild to establish persistent access to enterprise file servers.
Palo Alto's Expedition migration tool contained a flaw permitting attackers to reset administrative credentials without authentication. This allowed complete takeover of the migration environment, potentially exposing network configurations and security policies being transferred between systems.
SolarWinds Web Help Desk (CVE-2024-28987) shipped with hardcoded internal credentials that could not be changed through normal administrative functions. Attackers discovering these credentials gained full administrative access to helpdesk systems containing sensitive organizational information and user data.
Mitigation
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) — requires attackers to compromise additional verification factors beyond bypassed primary authentication
- Eliminate hardcoded credentials — use secure credential management systems and rotate all default credentials during deployment
- Enforce authentication on all endpoints — verify every request requires valid authentication; no "hidden" administrative paths should exist
- Implement proper session management — use cryptographically secure session tokens, validate on server-side, enforce timeout policies
- Apply principle of least privilege — limit damage by ensuring even authenticated users only access necessary resources
- Regular security testing — conduct penetration testing specifically targeting authentication logic and flows
Recent CVEs (37492)
VideoLAN VLC for Android prior to version 3.7.0 contains an authentication bypass in the Remote Access Server feature due to missing or insufficient rate limiting on one-time password (OTP) verification. The Remote Access Server uses a 4-digit OTP and does not enforce effective throttling or lockout within the OTP validity window, allowing an attacker with network reachability to the server to repeatedly attempt OTP verification until a valid user_session cookie is issued. Successful exploita...
Improper session management in D-Link Wireless N 300 ADSL2+ Modem Router DSL-124 ME_1.00 allows attackers to execute a session hijacking attack via spoofing the IP address of an authenticated user. [CVSS 8.2 HIGH]
Unauthenticated attackers can submit forged webhook payloads to multiple email provider integrations in Discourse versions prior to 2025.12.2, 2026.1.1, and 2026.2.0 when authentication tokens are not configured, allowing them to artificially inflate user bounce scores and disable legitimate user accounts. The vulnerability affects webhook endpoints for SendGrid, Mailjet, Mandrill, Postmark, and SparkPost, with Mailpace having no token validation whatsoever. Administrators should immediately configure webhook authentication tokens for all email provider integrations as a workaround until patching is available.
Fleet's device lock and wipe PIN generation relies on predictable timestamps without additional entropy, allowing attackers with physical access to a locked device and knowledge of the approximate lock time to brute-force the 6-digit PIN within a limited search window. This vulnerability affects Fleet versions prior to 4.80.1 and requires local access and timing knowledge to exploit. No patch is currently available.
Bitnami Sealed Secrets improperly validates user-supplied annotations during secret rotation, allowing authenticated attackers to escalate secret scope from namespace-wide or strict constraints to cluster-wide. An attacker can inject a malicious annotation into the rotation request to obtain a rotated secret accessible across any namespace, potentially enabling lateral movement and unauthorized access to sensitive credentials throughout the cluster.
Zitadel versions prior to 4.11.1 and 3.4.7 permit authenticated users to bypass email and phone verification procedures through the self-management feature, allowing them to mark contact information as verified without completing actual validation. This integrity bypass enables account compromise scenarios where attackers with valid credentials can impersonate other users or escalate privileges by falsifying verified contact details. No patch is currently available for affected deployments, though implementing action rules (v2) can mitigate the risk.
Openemr versions up to 8.0.0 is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 6.5).
Openemr versions up to 8.0.0 is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 6.5).
Chia Blockchain 2.1.0's RPC Server Master Passphrase Handler lacks proper authentication in the send_transaction and get_private_key functions, allowing authenticated local attackers to bypass security controls with public exploit code available. An attacker with local access and existing privileges could manipulate these functions to gain unauthorized access to sensitive blockchain operations, though exploitation requires high complexity and the vendor considers this a user responsibility issue. A patch is not currently available.
Improper authentication in Chia Blockchain 2.1.0's RPC Credential Handler (_authenticate function) allows remote attackers to bypass credential validation with high complexity exploitation. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and the vendor dismissed the report as a design choice placing responsibility on users for host security. Affected systems may experience confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts through unauthorized RPC access.
Plane prior to version 1.2.2 allows authenticated users to modify project assets across any workspace by directly referencing asset IDs, as the asset lookup fails to verify workspace and project ownership. An attacker with guest-level credentials can enumerate asset UUIDs and alter asset attributes and upload status without authorization. The vulnerability has been patched in version 1.2.2.
OpenFUN Richie LMS's course synchronization API uses non-constant-time comparison for HMAC signature validation, allowing remote attackers to forge valid signatures through timing analysis and bypass authentication controls. This vulnerability affects the sync_course_run_from_request function and requires no user interaction, though successful exploitation demands careful timing measurements. No patch is currently available for this medium-severity issue.
Missing authentication in the mesh network functionality of Netgear MR9600 (1.0.4.205530) and MX4200 (1.0.13.210200) allows an attacker with physical device access to add unauthorized mesh devices and extract sensitive credentials including admin passwords and Wi-Fi keys. The vulnerability requires no user interaction and affects the confidentiality of authentication materials stored on the device. No patch is currently available for this issue.
Unrestricted file uploads in Sz Boot Parent versions up to 1.3.2-beta allow authenticated remote attackers to upload malicious files via the /api/admin/sys-file/upload API endpoint. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, which has been patched in version 1.3.3-beta through the addition of file extension and MIME type whitelisting controls. Immediate upgrade to the patched version is strongly recommended.
Authorization bypass in Sz Boot Parent up to version 1.3.2-beta allows unauthenticated remote attackers to access arbitrary messages through manipulation of the messageId parameter in the /api/admin/sys-message/ endpoint. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, enabling attackers to query messages beyond their authorization scope. Upgrade to version 1.3.3-beta or later to remediate, which implements message ownership verification.
Insufficient authorization checks in JetBrains TeamCity before version 2025.11.3 permit project developers to modify build configuration parameters without proper access controls. An authenticated attacker with developer privileges could inject malicious parameters into build configurations, potentially altering build behavior or exposing sensitive information. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Unprivileged users can extract LUKS encryption headers from the udisks daemon due to missing authorization checks on a privileged D-Bus method, allowing attackers to read sensitive cryptographic metadata and potentially compromise encrypted storage confidentiality. The vulnerability affects systems running vulnerable versions of udisks and requires local access to exploit. No patch is currently available.
A vulnerability has been identified in the NeuVector scanner where the scanner process accepts registry and controller credentials as command-line arguments, potentially exposing sensitive credentials to local users. [CVSS 3.8 LOW]
A vulnerability has been identified within Rancher Manager, where using self-signed CA certificates and passing the -skip-verify flag to the Rancher CLI login command without also passing the -cacert flag results in the CLI attempting to fetch CA certificates stored in Rancher’s setting cacerts. [CVSS 8.3 HIGH]
OpenEMR versions prior to 8.0.0 fail to properly enforce permission checks, allowing authenticated users to access sensitive information belonging to other authorized users. The vulnerability requires valid credentials and network access but does not enable data modification or denial of service. Public exploit code exists and a patch is available in version 8.0.0 and later.
OpenEMR is a free and open source electronic health records and medical practice management application. [CVSS 8.1 HIGH]
Devolutions Server 2025.3.14.0 and earlier contains insufficient access control in REST API endpoints that enables authenticated view-only users to retrieve sensitive connection data they should not access. An attacker with basic authentication credentials could exploit this to gain unauthorized visibility into protected connection information, compromising confidentiality without requiring user interaction or elevated privileges.
Dell Wyse Management Suite, versions prior to WMS 5.5, contain a Client-Side Enforcement of Server-Side Security vulnerability. A high privileged attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability to Protection mechanism bypass. [CVSS 2.7 LOW]
Devolutions Server before version 2025.3.15 contains a permission cache poisoning flaw that allows authenticated users to circumvent access controls and retrieve restricted entries. The vulnerability affects any system running the vulnerable version where an attacker with valid credentials can exploit improper permission validation to access data they should not be authorized to view. No patch is currently available to remediate this issue.
Multiple Finka programs use hard-coded Firebird database credentials (shared across all instances of this software). A malicious attacker in local network who knows default credentials is able to read and edit database content. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Authentication bypass in FUXA SCADA/HMI system 1.2.8 and prior leading to Remote Code Execution. Unauthenticated attackers can execute arbitrary code on industrial control HMI systems. EPSS 0.64% with PoC available.
Gcom Epon 1Ge Firmware versions up to c00r371v00b01 is affected by improper access control (CVSS 8.8).
When the "Silent Just-In-Time Provisioning" feature is enabled for a federated identity provider (IDP) there is a risk that a local user store user's information may be replaced during the account provisioning process in cases where federated users share the same username as local users. [CVSS 7.7 HIGH]
Dinky versions up to 1.2.5 contain an authentication bypass in the OpenAPI endpoint handler that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to manipulate interceptor configuration. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and no patch is currently available from the vendor.
ImageMagick versions prior to 7.1.2-15 and 6.9.13-40 allow local attackers to bypass the secure policy's stdin/stdout restrictions by using fd:<n> pseudo-filenames (e.g., fd:0, fd:1), enabling unauthorized reading and writing to standard streams. This vulnerability affects systems relying on ImageMagick's default security policies to prevent stream manipulation. No patch is currently available, though administrators can manually update their security policy configuration as a workaround.
Smart Heating Integrated Management Platform versions up to 1.0.0 is affected by improper access control (CVSS 7.3).
Improper session management in GCOM EPON 1GE ONU version C00R371V00B01 allows attackers to execute a session hijacking attack via spoofing the IP address of an authenticated user. [CVSS 8.1 HIGH]
Versions of the Traccar open-source GPS tracking system up to and including 6.11.1 contain a Cross-Site WebSocket Hijacking (CSWSH) vulnerability in the `/api/socket` endpoint. The application fails to validate the `Origin` header during the WebSocket handshake. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Security Center's access control implementation fails to properly restrict authenticated users to their authorized scope, allowing privilege escalation to view sensitive data. An attacker with valid credentials can bypass authorization checks to access confidential information outside their assigned permissions. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Authenticated users of Security Center can manipulate the 'owner' parameter to gain unauthorized elevated privileges through an indirect object reference flaw. This network-accessible vulnerability requires valid credentials but no user interaction, enabling privilege escalation attacks with moderate impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. No patch is currently available.
An issue pertaining to CWE-295: Improper Certificate Validation was discovered in fofolee uTools-quickcommand 5.0.3. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
FastApiAdmin up to 2.2.0 contains an unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the user avatar upload endpoint that allows authenticated remote attackers to upload arbitrary files. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and no patch is currently available. An attacker with valid credentials could leverage this to compromise system integrity and potentially execute malicious code.
Unrestricted file upload in FastApiAdmin up to version 2.2.0 allows authenticated remote attackers to upload arbitrary files through the Scheduled Task API endpoint. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, enabling potential remote code execution or system compromise. Affected organizations should immediately upgrade beyond version 2.2.0 or implement access controls on the upload functionality until a patch is released.
FastApiAdmin versions up to 2.2.0 contain an unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the Scheduled Task API's upload controller that allows authenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files remotely. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and no patch is currently available. An attacker with valid credentials could leverage this to achieve unauthorized file write access and potentially further compromise the application.
A vulnerability was identified in AliasVault App up to 0.25.3 on Android/iOS. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file shared_prefs/aliasvault.xml of the component Backup Handler. [CVSS 2.5 LOW]
Tronclass by WisdomGarden contains an insecure direct object reference flaw that allows authenticated attackers to bypass access controls and obtain course invitation codes by manipulating course ID parameters. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can enroll in arbitrary courses without authorization. No patch is currently available for this medium-severity issue.
Unauthorized Discord moderation actions in OpenClaw versions 2026.2.17 and below allow non-admin users to execute timeouts, kicks, and bans by spoofing sender identity parameters in tool-driven requests. The vulnerability affects deployments where Discord moderation is enabled and the bot has necessary guild permissions, enabling privilege escalation through identity manipulation. A patch is available in version 2026.2.18.
Deviceviewer versions up to 3.12.0.1 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to change passwords without proper validation of the old password field (CVSS 6.5).
Part-DB 0.4 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to login by injecting SQL syntax into authentication parameters. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
The web management interface of the device renders the passwords in a plaintext input field. [CVSS 5.7 MEDIUM]
HyperCloud versions 2.3.5 through 2.6.8 improperly allowed refresh tokens to be used directly for resource access and failed to invalidate previously issued access tokens when a refresh token was used.
Auth bypass in Smanga 3.2.7 allows unauthenticated password reset for any user including admin.
A security flaw has been discovered in detronetdip E-commerce 1.0.0. The impacted element is the function Delete/Update of the component Product Management Module. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
Inadequate access control in weDevs Subscribe2 plugin version 10.44 and earlier permits unauthenticated attackers to bypass authorization checks and gain unauthorized access to restricted functionality. An attacker can exploit misconfigured security levels to perform actions they should not be permitted to execute, potentially exposing sensitive subscriber data or modifying plugin settings. No patch is currently available.
Insufficient authorization controls in PDF for Elementor Forms + Drag And Drop Template Builder version 6.3.1 and earlier allow authenticated users to modify or create PDF forms without proper permission validation. An attacker with user-level access could bypass access control restrictions to manipulate form configurations or data integrity. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Booked scheduling software versions 3.0.0 and earlier contain an authentication bypass flaw that allows authenticated users to abuse alternate authentication paths or channels to gain unauthorized access. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges or access restricted functionality without proper authorization. No patch is currently available for affected installations.
mdalabar WooODT Lite byconsole-woo-order-delivery-time is affected by authentication bypass by spoofing (CVSS 7.5).
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability in cnvrse Cnvrse cnvrse allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Cnvrse: from n/a through <= 026.02.10.20. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Jthemes Exzo exzo allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Exzo: from n/a through <= 1.2.4. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
AgniHD Cartify - WooCommerce Gutenberg WordPress Theme cartify is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
modeltheme ModelTheme Framework modeltheme-framework is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 7.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in GhostPool Gauge gauge allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Gauge: from n/a through <= 6.56.4. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in GhostPool Aardvark Plugin aardvark-plugin allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Aardvark Plugin: from n/a through <= 2.19. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Saad Iqbal New User Approve new-user-approve allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects New User Approve: from n/a through <= 3.2.0. [CVSS 8.6 HIGH]
ahachat AhaChat Messenger Marketing ahachat-messenger-marketing contains a security vulnerability (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ELEXtensions ELEX WordPress HelpDesk & Customer Ticketing System elex-helpdesk-customer-support-ticket-system allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects ELEX WordPress HelpDesk & Customer Ticketing System: from n/a through <= 3.3.5. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Broken access control in the Sync Master Sheet - Product Sync with Google Sheet for WooCommerce plugin (versions up to and including 1.1.3) lets unauthenticated remote attackers invoke privileged plugin functions that lack proper authorization checks, allowing them to modify data (high integrity impact) without valid credentials. The flaw was reported by Patchstack and carries a CVSS 7.5; no public exploit identified at time of analysis and EPSS is very low (0.02%, 6th percentile), indicating no observed exploitation activity yet.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in sendy Sendy sendy allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Sendy: from n/a through <= 3.4.2. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
vgdevsolutions Checkout Gateway for IRIS checkout-gateway-iris is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in add-ons.org PDF for WPForms pdf-for-wpforms allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects PDF for WPForms: from n/a through <= 6.3.0. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Cozmoslabs Paid Member Subscriptions paid-member-subscriptions is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in wpWax Directorist directorist allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Directorist: from n/a through <= 8.5.10. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Shiprocket Shiprocket shiprocket is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 7.4).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Leadpages Leadpages leadpages allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Leadpages: from n/a through <= 1.1.3. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
XLPlugins NextMove Lite woo-thank-you-page-nextmove-lite is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 7.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in LottieFiles LottieFiles lottiefiles allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects LottieFiles: from n/a through <= 3.0.0. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Travelpayouts Travelpayouts travelpayouts allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Travelpayouts: from n/a through <= 1.2.1. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Passionate Brains Advanced WC Analytics advance-wc-analytics is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Passionate Brains GA4WP: Google Analytics for WordPress ga-for-wp allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects GA4WP: Google Analytics for WordPress: from n/a through <= 2.10.0. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Niaj Morshed LC Wizard ghl-wizard allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects LC Wizard: from n/a through <= 2.1.1. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Addonify Addonify Floating Cart For WooCommerce addonify-floating-cart is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Addonify Addonify – Compare Products For WooCommerce addonify-compare-products allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Addonify – Compare Products For WooCommerce: from n/a through <= 1.1.17. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
soporteblue Plugin BlueX for WooCommerce bluex-for-woocommerce is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.3).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ConveyThis ConveyThis conveythis-translate allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects ConveyThis: from n/a through <= 269.5. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in themewant Easy Hotel Booking easy-hotel allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Easy Hotel Booking: from n/a through <= 1.8.7. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in PickPlugins Testimonial Slider testimonial allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Testimonial Slider: from n/a through <= 2.0.15. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel vulnerability in kamleshyadav Miraculous Elementor miraculous-el allows Authentication Abuse.This issue affects Miraculous Elementor: from n/a through <= 2.0.7. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in YayCommerce YayCurrency yaycurrency allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects YayCurrency: from n/a through <= 3.3. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Vito Peleg Atarim atarim-visual-collaboration allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Atarim: from n/a through <= 4.2.1. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
VillaTheme HAPPY happy-helpdesk-support-ticket-system is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 8.2).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in aDirectory aDirectory adirectory allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects aDirectory: from n/a through <= 3.0.3. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WP Legal Pages WPLegalPages wplegalpages allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects WPLegalPages: from n/a through <= 3.5.4. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
sunshinephotocart Sunshine Photo Cart sunshine-photo-cart is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in vertim Schedula schedula-smart-appointment-booking allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Schedula: from n/a through <= 1.0. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
knitpay UPI QR Code Payment Gateway for WooCommerce upi-qr-code-payment-for-woocommerce is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 37492