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)
BSV Blockchain SDK is a unified TypeScript SDK for developing scalable apps on the BSV Blockchain. versions up to 2.0.0 contains a security vulnerability (CVSS 5.4).
Missing authentication in CodeAstro Membership Management System 1.0 delete_members.php allows unauthenticated deletion of member records. PoC available.
Missing authentication and authorization in print_membership_card.php in CodeAstro Membership Management System 1.0 allows unauthenticated attackers to access membership card data of arbitrary users via direct requests with a manipulated id parameter, resulting in insecure direct object reference (IDOR). [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Online Time Table Generator versions up to 1.0 is affected by missing authentication for critical function (CVSS 7.5).
Missing authentication on multiple admin action scripts in ProjectWorlds Online Time Table Generator allows unauthenticated users to perform administrative operations. PoC available.
Incorrect access control in SourceCodester Customer Support System 1.0 allows unauthenticated access to AJAX dispatcher, enabling full system compromise. PoC available.
Graylog 2.2.3 contains an insecure direct object reference (IDOR) vulnerability in its user API endpoint that allows authenticated users to enumerate and access other users' profiles by manipulating user IDs in requests. An attacker with valid credentials can extract sensitive information including usernames, email addresses, internal identifiers, and last activity timestamps from arbitrary user accounts. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
The WP All Export plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Sensitive Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 1.4.14 via the export download endpoint. This is due to a PHP type juggling vulnerability in the security token comparison which uses loose comparison (==) instead of strict comparison (===). This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication using "magic hash" values when the expected MD5 hash prefix happens to be numeric-looking (matching pa...
Doruk Communication and Automation Industry and Trade Inc. Wispotter is affected by improper authentication (CVSS 5.3).
HPE Aruba Networking 5G Core API error handling exposes sensitive information including user accounts, roles, and system configuration to unauthenticated remote attackers. Successful exploitation enables attackers to gather intelligence on internal services and workflows, creating a foundation for further attacks targeting unauthorized access and privilege escalation. A patch is available.
HPE Aruba Networking 5G Core API error handling leaks sensitive information including user accounts, roles, and system configuration to unauthenticated remote attackers. Exposed internal service details can be leveraged to identify attack vectors for privilege escalation and unauthorized access. A patch is available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Smartypants SP Project & Document Manager allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects SP Project & Document Manager: from n/a through 4.70. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Paul Custom Content by Country (by Shield Security) custom-content-by-country.This issue affects Custom Content by Country (by Shield Security): from n/a through 3.1.2. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
from 3.0.0 to 3.3.1 versions up to 3.5.0. is affected by missing authentication for critical function (CVSS 6.1).
Mattermost versions 10.11.x <= 10.11.9 fail to enforce invite permissions when updating team settings, which allows team administrators without proper permissions to bypass restrictions and add users to their team via API requests. Mattermost Advisory ID: MMSA-2025-00561 [CVSS 3.8 LOW]
Mattermost versions 11.1.x <= 11.1.2, 10.11.x <= 10.11.9, 11.2.x <= 11.2.1 fail to properly validate team membership when processing channel mentions which allows authenticated users to determine the existence of teams and their URL names via posting channel shortlinks and observing the channel_mentions property in the API response. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Mattermost Server versions 11.1.x through 11.1.2, 10.11.x through 10.11.9, and 11.2.x through 11.2.1 inadequately enforce login method restrictions, permitting authenticated users to circumvent SSO-only requirements by authenticating with a userID instead. This allows an attacker with valid credentials to gain unauthorized access to accounts restricted to single sign-on authentication. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
The Micca KE700 system relies on a 6-bit portion of an identifier for authentication within rolling codes, providing only 64 possible combinations. This low entropy allows an attacker to perform a brute-force attack against one component of the rolling code.
The Micca KE700 system contains flawed resynchronization logic and is vulnerable to replay attacks. This attack requires sending two previously captured codes in a specific sequence.
LavaLite CMS 10.1.0 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control. An authenticated user with low-level privileges (User role) can directly access the admin backend by logging in through /admin/login. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Kanboard versions prior to 1.2.50 allow authenticated users to duplicate tasks into projects they lack access permissions for due to insufficient validation in the TaskCreationController endpoint. This privilege escalation vulnerability enables users to move sensitive tasks across project boundaries they should not be able to access. Public exploit code exists for this incomplete fix of a prior authorization bypass vulnerability.
Privilege Defined With Unsafe Actions, Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability in Universal Software Inc. FlexCity/Kiosk allows Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs, Privilege Escalation.This issue affects FlexCity/Kiosk: from 1.0 before 1.0.36. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Signature spoofing through improper certificate validation in Thales SafeNet Agent for Windows Logon (versions 4.0.0, 4.1.1, and 4.1.2) permits a low-privileged network attacker who meets specific access prerequisites to present fraudulent certificates the agent accepts without adequate verification. The CVSS 4.0 vector's SC:H/SI:H indicators confirm that a successful exploit can undermine the entire downstream Windows authentication chain - effectively nullifying the MFA or certificate-based logon protection this agent is deployed to enforce. Publicly available exploit code exists per the E:P threat metric in the vendor's CVSS 4.0 vector; no active exploitation has been confirmed and EPSS stands at a low 0.03%.
PRO-7070 Hazır Profesyonel Web Sitesi version 1.0 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in the administration panel login page. Attackers can bypass authentication by using '=' 'or' as both username and password to gain unauthorized access to the administrative interface. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Thrive Smart Home 1.1 contains an SQL injection vulnerability in the checklogin.php endpoint that allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication by manipulating the 'user' POST parameter. [CVSS 8.2 HIGH]
Heatmiser Netmonitor 3.03 contains a hardcoded credentials vulnerability in the networkSetup.htm page with predictable admin login credentials. Attackers can access the device by using the hard-coded username 'admin' and password 'admin' in the hidden form input fields. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
E Learning Script 1.0 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows attackers to access the dashboard without valid credentials by manipulating login parameters. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Authenticated users in LavinMQ versions before 2.6.6 can read sensitive broker metadata they lack permissions to access, resulting in information disclosure. This vulnerability requires valid credentials but poses a risk in multi-tenant deployments where access controls should be strictly enforced. A patch is available in version 2.6.6.
thesystem App 1.0 contains a SQL injection vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass authentication by manipulating the username parameter. Attackers can inject malicious SQL code like ' or '1=1 to the username field to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
TheSystem 1.0 contains a SQL injection vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass authentication by manipulating the 'server_name' parameter. Attackers can inject malicious SQL code like ' or '1=1 to retrieve unauthorized database records and potentially access sensitive system information. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Improper Access Control in an on-chip debug interface could allow a privileged attacker to enable a debug interface and potentially compromise data confidentiality or integrity.
An issue in the "My Details" user profile functionality of Ideagen Q-Pulse 7.1.0.32 allows an authenticated user to view other users' profile information by modifying the objectKey HTTP parameter in the My Details page URL. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability in Farktor Software E-Commerce Services Inc. E-Commerce Package allows Manipulating User-Controlled Variables.This issue affects E-Commerce Package: through 27112025. [CVSS 6.3 MEDIUM]
Missing certificate validation in SolaX solar inverter MQTT connections to Alibaba Cloud. Devices accept any server certificate, enabling MITM attacks on solar energy infrastructure.
iOS and iPadOS devices with physical access vulnerabilities allow attackers to bypass authorization controls and access sensitive user information on locked devices through improper state management. The flaw affects multiple iOS versions including 18.7.5 and earlier, requiring only physical access to the device with no user interaction or elevated privileges. Apple has issued patches in iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, though updates for earlier versions (iOS 18.7.5 and iPadOS 18.7.5) are also available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.7.5 and iPadOS 18.7.5, Safari 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3. [CVSS 3.3 LOW]
Sensitive information disclosure in Apple iOS and iPadOS results from improper state management in authorization checks, allowing an attacker with physical access to a locked device to view confidential user data. The vulnerability affects multiple iOS and iPadOS versions and currently lacks an available patch. Local privilege or device access is required, making this a risk primarily to users whose devices may be physically compromised.
Improper input validation in macOS Sequoia, Tahoe, and Sonoma allows local applications to access sensitive user data through an injection attack that requires user interaction. An attacker with a malicious app could exploit this vulnerability to read confidential information on affected systems. No patch is currently available for this medium-severity issue.
Code replay attack on PF-50 keyfob of PGST PG107 Alarm System 1.25.05.hf. Physical security system vulnerable to replay of wireless signals.
An authorization issue was addressed with improved state management. This issue is fixed in macOS Sequoia 15.7.4, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4. [CVSS 5.5 MEDIUM]
Frappe Learning Management System versions prior to 2.44.0 contain an information disclosure vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to enumerate enrolled student email addresses from course batches. The flaw stems from improper access controls (CWE-863) that fail to restrict visibility of sensitive enrollment data to authorized users only. An attacker can exploit this over the network without authentication to obtain a complete roster of student contact information.
Vaultwarden versions prior to 1.35.3 allow authenticated organization members to bypass collection-level access controls and retrieve all ciphers within their organization through the /ciphers/organization-details endpoint. An attacker with regular member privileges can access sensitive credentials and encrypted data they should not have permission to view. No patch is currently available for affected deployments.
Vulnerabilities in the File Download and Get File handler components in CIPPlanner CIPAce before 9.17 allow attackers to download unauthorized files. An authenticated user can easily change the file id parameter or pass the physical file path in the URL query string to retrieve the files. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Outline is a service that allows for collaborative documentation. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
login.php contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to access the dashboard without valid credentials (CVSS 6.5).
Cipace versions up to 9.17 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass a protection mechanism (CVSS 4.3).
The Product Options and Price Calculation Formulas for WooCommerce - Uni CPO (Premium) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized loss of data due to a missing capability check on the 'uni_cpo_remove_file' function in all versions up to, and including, 4.9.60. [CVSS 5.8 MEDIUM]
Authentication bypass via path traversal in ZBT WE2001 router's check_token function. EPSS 0.69% — crafted requests bypass authentication entirely. CVSS 10.0.
Missing authentication for critical functions in Dinosoft ERP. Unauthenticated access to business functionality.
The Invoct PDF Invoices & Billing for WooCommerce plugin through version 1.6 fails to enforce capability checks, allowing authenticated Subscriber-level users to access sensitive data including invoice details, client information, and WordPress user email addresses. This privilege escalation vulnerability affects all WordPress installations using the affected plugin versions and has no available patch.
Saastech Cleaning and Internet Services Inc. TemizlikYolda is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
The Pix para Woocommerce WordPress plugin through 2.13.3 allows any authenticated user to trigger AJAX actions that reset payment gateway configuration options without capability or nonce checks. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Unprivileged users with Event Log Reader privileges can extract proxy server credentials and URLs from PI to CONNECT event logs, potentially enabling unauthorized proxy access. This local information disclosure affects systems where such log access is granted to low-privileged accounts. No patch is currently available.
Insufficient Granularity of Access Control in SEV firmware could allow a privileged user with a malicious hypervisor to create a SEV-ES guest with an ASID in the range meant for SEV-SNP guests potentially resulting in a partial loss of confidentiality.
Insufficient Granularity of Access Control in SEV firmware can allow a privileged attacker to create a SEV-ES Guest to attack SNP guest, potentially resulting in a loss of confidentiality.
Improper access control in AMD Secure Encrypted Virtualization (SEV) firmware could allow a malicious hypervisor to bypass RMP protections, potentially resulting in a loss of SEV-SNP guest memory integrity.
Improper access control in secure encrypted virtualization (SEV) could allow a privileged attacker to write to the reverse map page (RMP) during secure nested paging (SNP) initialization, potentially resulting in a loss of guest memory confidentiality and integrity.
MongoDB's profile command fails to properly validate requests that modify the 'filter' parameter, incorrectly classifying write operations as read-only and bypassing authorization controls. An authenticated attacker could exploit this to modify database filters without proper access restrictions, potentially altering query behavior and data visibility. No patch is currently available.
Microsoft Exchange Server is vulnerable to UI spoofing attacks that allow unauthenticated remote attackers to misrepresent critical information and deceive users. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.5 and currently lacks an available patch, leaving affected systems exposed to social engineering and impersonation attacks. Organizations running Exchange Server should implement network-level protections and monitor for suspicious activity until a fix is released.
Guest users on TP-Link Tapo C260 v1 cameras can modify protected device settings by exploiting inadequate access controls on synchronization endpoints. Authenticated attackers with limited privileges can bypass restrictions to change sensitive configuration parameters without authorization. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Kanboard versions up to 1.2.50 is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 4.3).
A use of externally-controlled format string vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS 7.6.0 through 7.6.4, FortiOS 7.4.0 through 7.4.9, FortiOS 7.2.0 through 7.2.11, FortiOS 7.0 all versions allows an authenticated admin to execute unauthorized code or commands via specifically crafted configuration. [CVSS 6.7 MEDIUM]
vulnerability in Fortinet FortiOS 7.6.0 versions up to 7.6.4 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to an authenticated user with knowledge of FSSO policy configurations to gain unaut (CVSS 4.2).
Dinibh Puzzle Software Solutions Dinibh Patrol Tracking System is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 8.8).
Sarman Soft Software and Technology Services Industry and Trade Ltd. Co. CMS contains a security vulnerability (CVSS 8.7).
A vulnerability has been identified in syngo.plaza VB30E (All versions < VB30E_HF07). The affected application does not encrypt the passwords properly. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
An insecure direct object reference allowed a non-admin user to modify or remove certain data objects without having the appropriate permissions. [CVSS 5.7 MEDIUM]
Froshadminer versions up to 2.2.1 is affected by missing authentication for critical function (CVSS 5.3).
PlaciPy is a placement management system designed for educational institutions. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Litestar versions before 2.20.0 improperly escape regex metacharacters in the allowed_hosts middleware, allowing attackers to bypass hostname validation by supplying hosts that match the compiled regex pattern but differ from intended literal hostnames. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability. The flaw affects the ASGI framework's ability to properly restrict incoming requests to authorized hosts.
Markus versions up to 2.9.1 is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 6.5).
Insufficient permission validation in OpenProject prior to 17.0.2 allows users with the Manage Users permission to lock and unlock application administrators, a capability that should be restricted to administrators only. An authenticated attacker with user management privileges can exploit this to lock out admin accounts and potentially disrupt system administration capabilities. No patch is currently available for affected versions.
Improper permission enforcement in Checkmk versions 2.4.0 versions up to 2.4.0 is affected by missing authorization.
Birtech Information Technologies Industry and Trade Ltd. Co. Senseway is affected by improper authentication (CVSS 7.3).
Unrestricted file upload in DouPHP versions up to 1.9 allows remote attackers with administrative privileges to bypass upload restrictions via manipulation of the sql_filename parameter in the ZIP File Handler component. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and no patch is currently available.
Authentication Bypass by Alternate Name vulnerability in Apache Shiro. This issue affects Apache Shiro: before 2.0.7. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
Improper server identity validation in Eaton Network M3 firmware upgrade functionality enables man-in-the-middle attacks by network-adjacent threat actors with high privileges. An attacker can intercept and manipulate firmware updates to inject malicious code, compromise system integrity, or disrupt availability. No patch is currently available for this medium-severity issue.
Unrestricted file upload in Online Music Site 1.0's AdminAddAlbum.php allows authenticated administrators with high privileges to upload arbitrary files via the txtimage parameter. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, enabling remote attackers to potentially execute malicious code or compromise the application. The affected component impacts both the PHP runtime and the vulnerable web application, with no patch currently available.
Detronetdip E-commerce 1.0.0 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in the seller account creation endpoint that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to manipulate the email parameter and gain unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects PHP-based e-commerce installations and has public exploit code available, though no patch is currently available from the vendor.
Unrestricted file upload in detronetdip E-commerce 1.0.0 via the /seller/assets/backend/profile/addadhar.php endpoint allows unauthenticated remote attackers to upload arbitrary files. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and the vendor has not yet released a patch despite early notification.
Unrestricted file upload in Yshopmall up to version 1.9.1 allows authenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files via manipulation of the updateAvatar function in the FileUtil component. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, increasing the risk of active exploitation. The vendor has not yet released a patch despite early notification.
Unrestricted file upload in Online Music Site 1.0's AdminUpdateCategory.php allows unauthenticated remote attackers to upload arbitrary files by manipulating the txtimage parameter. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, enabling potential remote code execution and system compromise. A security patch is not currently available, leaving affected installations vulnerable to active exploitation.
Wekan versions up to 8.20 contain an authorization bypass in the Rules Handler component that allows authenticated remote attackers to access unauthorized information through the rules.js file. The vulnerability requires valid credentials but no user interaction, enabling low-impact confidentiality breaches. Upgrading to version 8.21 resolves this issue.
Wekan versions up to 8.19 is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 4.3).
Advanced Country Blocker (WordPress plugin) versions up to 2.3.1 contains a security vulnerability (CVSS 5.3).
DBPower C300 HD Camera contains a configuration disclosure vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to retrieve sensitive credentials through an unprotected configuration backup endpoint. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
ACE Security WiP-90113 HD Camera contains a configuration disclosure vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to retrieve sensitive configuration files. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
AMSS++ 4.7 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows attackers to access administrative accounts using hardcoded credentials. Attackers can log in with the default admin username and password '1234' to gain unauthorized administrative access to the system. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Trilium Notes is an open-source, cross-platform hierarchical note taking application with focus on building large personal knowledge bases. [CVSS 7.4 HIGH]
DeepAudit is a multi-agent system for code vulnerability discovery. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 37492