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 (37503)
LibreChat is a ChatGPT clone with additional features. Version 0.8.1-rc2 does not enforce proper access control when querying agent permissions. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
LibreChat is a ChatGPT clone with additional features. Version 0.8.1-rc2 does not enforce proper access control for file uploads to an agents file context and file search. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Filesystem-Mcp versions up to 0.5.8 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass directory restrictions by leveraging symlinks within the allowed director (CVSS 7.5).
Hcl Devops Deploy versions up to 8.1.2.3 is affected by insufficiently protected credentials (CVSS 4.9).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in POSIMYTH Innovation The Plus Addons for Elementor Pro allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects The Plus Addons for Elementor Pro: from n/a before 6.3.7. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
House Rental And Property Listing Project versions up to 1.0 is affected by improper access control (CVSS 7.3).
Missing Origin/Host header validation in Microsoft's Playwright MCP Server (versions before 0.0.40) lets a remote web page reach a developer's locally bound MCP HTTP endpoint through a DNS rebinding attack, causing unauthorized invocation of MCP tool endpoints that drive an automated browser. Publicly available exploit code exists (a proof-of-concept gist and a VulnCheck advisory), though the flaw is not listed in CISA KEV and EPSS probability is low (0.25%, 48th percentile). Exploitation requires that a victim with the server running visit an attacker-controlled page, so this is opportunistic rather than mass-scannable.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ThemeHunk Oneline Lite allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Oneline Lite: from n/a through 6.6. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Crocoblock JetEngine allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects JetEngine: from n/a through 3.8.1.1. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Bigfix Insights For Vulnerability Remediation versions up to 4.2 is affected by insufficient session expiration (CVSS 2.0).
The Piraeus Bank WooCommerce Payment Gateway plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized order status modification in all versions up to, and including, 3.1.4. This is due to missing authorization checks on the payment callback endpoint handler when processing the 'fail' callback from the payment gateway. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to change any order's status to 'failed' via the publicly accessible WooCommerce API endpoint by providing only the order ID (Merc...
Quote Comments (WordPress plugin) versions up to 3.0.0. is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
The Awesome Hotel Booking plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to incorrect authorization in the room-single.php shortcode handler in all versions up to, and including, 1.0. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
The Reviewify plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'send_test_email' AJAX action in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.6. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
The Unify plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'init' action in all versions up to, and including, 3.4.9. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
Rankology SEO and Analytics Tool (WordPress plugin) is affected by improper authorization (CVSS 2.7).
The aBlocks - WordPress Gutenberg Blocks plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data and disclosure of sensitive information due to missing capability checks on multiple AJAX actions in all versions up to, and including, 2.4.0. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
The User Activity Log plugin is vulnerable to a limited options update in versions up to, and including, 2.2. The failed-login handler 'ual_shook_wp_login_failed' lacks a capability check and writes failed usernames directly into update_option() calls. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
wolfSSH through 1.4.21 has a key exchange state machine vulnerability that can leak client passwords in cleartext, trick clients into sending bogus signatures, or skip user authentication entirely. A fundamental protocol implementation flaw.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Cloudways Breeze breeze allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Breeze: from n/a through <= 2.2.21. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
CyberChimps Responsive Addons for Elementor responsive-addons-for-elementor is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in PublishPress Post Expirator post-expirator allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Post Expirator: from n/a through <= 4.9.3. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WPFunnels Creator LMS creatorlms allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Creator LMS: from n/a through <= 1.1.12. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Tickera Tickera tickera-event-ticketing-system allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Tickera: from n/a through <= 3.5.6.4. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
BBR Plugins Better Business Reviews better-business-reviews is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Proxy & VPN Blocker Proxy & VPN Blocker proxy-vpn-blocker allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Proxy & VPN Blocker: from n/a through <= 3.5.3. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in StellarWP The Events Calendar the-events-calendar allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects The Events Calendar: from n/a through <= 6.15.12.2. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Fahad Mahmood RSS Feed Widget rss-feed-widget allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects RSS Feed Widget: from n/a through <= 3.0.2. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
CoolHappy The Events Calendar Countdown Addon countdown-for-the-events-calendar is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WPCenter AffiliateX affiliatex allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects AffiliateX: from n/a through <= 1.3.9.3. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
BoldGrid Post and Page Builder by BoldGrid post-and-page-builder is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
BuddhaThemes WeDesignTech Ultimate Booking Addon wedesigntech-ultimate-booking-addon is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
bdthemes Ultimate Store Kit Elementor Addons ultimate-store-kit is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
magepeopleteam Car Rental Manager car-rental-manager is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
Blue Access Cobalt v02.000.195 has an authentication bypass through selective request proxying. Attackers can manipulate proxy behavior to access web application functions without legitimate credentials.
InWave Jobs WordPress plugin (through 3.5.8) has missing authorization allowing unauthenticated access to restricted functionality. The maximum CVSS score indicates complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
NJHYST HY511 POE core (before 2.1) allows unauthenticated download of the configuration file containing usernames and self-decrypted MD5 passwords, due to insufficient cookie verification. PoC available.
Arteco DVR/NVR web client uses session IDs with insufficient complexity, allowing brute-force attacks to hijack active sessions and access live camera streams without authentication. PoC available.
Sony BRAVIA Digital Signage 1.7.8 has an IDOR vulnerability that allows attackers to access hidden system resources like /#/content-creation by bypassing client-side access restrictions. PoC available.
iDS6 DSSPro Digital Signage System 6.2 contains an improper access control vulnerability that allows authenticated users to elevate privileges through console JavaScript functions. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
All-Dynamics Software enlogic:show 2.0.2 contains a session fixation vulnerability that allows attackers to set a predefined PHP session identifier during the login process. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
The Quiz and Survey Master (QSM) - Easy Quiz and Survey Maker plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized loss of data due to a missing capability check on the qsm_dashboard_delete_result function in all versions up to, and including, 10.3.1. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
The Tag, Category, and Taxonomy Manager - AI Autotagger with OpenAI plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the taxopress_ai_add_post_term function in all versions up to, and including, 3.41.0. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
The Popupkit plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary subscriber data deletion due to missing authorization on the DELETE `/subscribers` REST API endpoint in all versions up to, and including, 2.2.0. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
TECNO Mobile's Boomplayer app (v7.4.63) has insufficient data authenticity verification allowing authentication bypass. A pre-installed app vulnerability affecting TECNO phone users.
Pterodactyl is a free, open-source game server management panel. Versions 1.11.11 and below allow TOTP to be used multiple times during its validity window. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Dify is an open-source LLM app development platform. Prior to version 1.11.0, the API key is exposed in plaintext to the frontend, allowing non-administrator users to view and reuse it. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Coolify is an open-source and self-hostable tool for managing servers, applications, and databases. In Coolify versions up to and including v4.0.0-beta.434, a low privileged user (member) can see and use invitation links sent to an administrator. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Coolify is an open-source and self-hostable tool for managing servers, applications, and databases. In Coolify versions up to and including v4.0.0-beta.434, a low privileged user (member) can invite a high privileged user. [CVSS 8.0 HIGH]
OpenCTI is an open source platform for managing cyber threat intelligence knowledge and observables. Prior to version 6.8.1, the GraphQL mutation "WorkspacePopoverDeletionMutation" allows users to delete workspace-related objects such as dashboards and investigation cases. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Unifi Connect EV Station Lite firmware v1.5.2 and earlier contains an access control weakness that permits nearby Wi-Fi attackers to activate the AutoLink feature on devices provisioned exclusively through Ethernet connections. This vulnerability could allow unauthorized wireless configuration of the charging station despite it being administratively restricted to wired network adoption. No patch is currently available for this medium-severity issue.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Marketing Fire LLC LoginWP - Pro allows Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs.This issue affects LoginWP - Pro: from n/a through 4.0.8.5. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Marketing Fire, LLC LoginWP - Pro allows Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs.This issue affects LoginWP - Pro: from n/a through 4.0.8.5. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Mega-Fence (webgate-lib.*) 25.1.914 and prior trusts the first value of the X-Forwarded-For (XFF) header as the client IP without validating a trusted proxy chain. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
WHILL Model C2 electric wheelchairs and Model F power chairs accept Bluetooth connections without authentication. An attacker within Bluetooth range can pair with the device and issue movement commands, override speed restrictions, and change configuration – creating a direct physical safety hazard for the user.
Centreon Infra Monitoring's centreon-awie module lacks authentication on critical import functions, allowing unauthenticated attackers to access functionality that should be restricted by ACLs. Affects multiple Centreon versions. Patch available.
Online Product Reservation System versions up to 1.0 is affected by improper authentication (CVSS 7.3).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Codepeople Sell Downloads allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Sell Downloads: from n/a through 1.1.12. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WPweb Follow My Blog Post allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Follow My Blog Post: from n/a through 2.4.0. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability in Rustaurius Five Star Restaurant Reservations allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Five Star Restaurant Reservations: from n/a through 2.7.8. [CVSS 8.6 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WPvibes AnyWhere Elementor Pro allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects AnyWhere Elementor Pro: from n/a through 2.29. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
QOCA aim AI Medical Cloud Platform developed by Quanta Computer has a Missing Authorization vulnerability, allowing authenticated remote attackers to modify specific network packet parameters, enabling certain system functions to access other users' files. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
A vulnerability was determined in bg5sbk MiniCMS up to 1.8. This affects an unknown function of the file /mc-admin/post-edit.php of the component Article Handler. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
A vulnerability was found in bg5sbk MiniCMS up to 1.8. The impacted element is an unknown function of the file /minicms/mc-admin/post.php of the component Trash File Restore Handler. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
A vulnerability has been found in bg5sbk MiniCMS up to 1.8. The affected element is an unknown function of the file /mc-admin/page-edit.php of the component Publish Page Handler. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
A flaw has been found in bg5sbk MiniCMS up to 1.8. Impacted is the function delete_page of the file /minicms/mc-admin/page.php of the component File Recovery Request Handler. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Online Product Reservation System versions up to 1.0 is affected by improper access control (CVSS 6.3).
Petlibro Smart Pet Feeder Platform versions up to 1.7.31 contains an information disclosure vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to device hardware information by exploiting insecure API endpoints. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
Petlibro Smart Pet Feeder Platform versions up to 1.7.31 contains an improper access control vulnerability that allows unauthorized device manipulation by accepting arbitrary serial numbers without ownership verification. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
Petlibro Smart Pet Feeder Platform versions up to 1.7.31 contains an information disclosure vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to private audio recordings by exploiting sequential audio IDs and insecure assignment endpoints. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
Petlibro versions up to 1.7.31 is affected by missing authentication for critical function (CVSS 7.3).
Petlibro Smart Pet Feeder Platform versions up to 1.7.31 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to access any user account by exploiting OAuth token validation flaws in the social login system. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Insufficiently Protected Credentials vulnerability in Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller (MSC) allows Signature Spoofing by Key Theft.This issue affects Multi-Stack Controller (MSC): through 2.5.1. [CVSS 5.5 MEDIUM]
Nuvation Energy Multi-Stack Controller (MSC) for battery storage systems allows authentication bypass through an alternate channel, enabling unauthenticated attackers to access critical energy management functions. Affects versions 2.3.8 to 2.5.1.
A vulnerability in Nuvation Battery Management System allows Authentication Bypass.This issue affects Battery Management System: through 2.3.9.
Emlog 2.5.23 contains an integrity bypass vulnerability that allows authenticated administrators to restrict legitimate users from editing or deleting their own published articles through improper access controls. This medium-severity flaw (CVSS 4.3) enables privileged users to modify content permissions without authorization, and public exploit code exists. No patch is currently available for affected installations.
Unrestricted file upload in code-projects CMS 1.0 via the image parameter in /admin/edit_posts.php allows authenticated administrators to upload arbitrary files remotely. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, though a patch is not yet available. The issue affects PHP-based installations and requires high-level privileges to exploit.
In the plex.tv backend for Plex Media Server (PMS) through 2025-12-31, a non-server device token can retrieve share tokens (intended for unrelated access) via a shared_servers endpoint. [CVSS 5.0 MEDIUM]
In the plex.tv backend for Plex Media Server (PMS) through 2025-12-31, a non-server device token can retrieve other tokens (intended for unrelated access) via clients.plex.tv/devices.xml. [CVSS 5.0 MEDIUM]
Plex Media Server (PMS) through 1.42.2.10156 allows retrieval of a permanent access token via a /myplex/account call with a transient access token. [CVSS 8.5 HIGH]
An authentication bypass in the /cgi-bin/jvsweb.cgi endpoint of Revotech I6032W-FHW v1.0.0014 - 20210517 allows attackers to access sensitive information and escalate privileges via a crafted HTTP request. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Plane is an an open-source project management tool. In plane.io, a guest user doesn't have a permission to access https[:]//app[.]plane[.]so/[:]slug/settings. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Unrestricted file upload in PHPGurukul Online Course Registration versions up to 3.1 allows authenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files through the student profile photo parameter in /admin/edit-student-profile.php. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and no patch is currently available. An attacker with login credentials can exploit this remotely to potentially execute malicious code or compromise the application.
A vulnerability was identified in jackying H-ui.admin versions up to 3.1. is affected by improper access control (CVSS 7.3).
A vulnerability has been found in EmpireSoft EmpireCMS up to 8.0. Impacted is the function CheckSaveTranFiletype of the file e/class/connect.php. [CVSS 6.3 MEDIUM]
A vulnerability has been found in xnx3 wangmarket up to 6.4. The impacted element is the function uploadImage of the file /sits/uploadImage.do of the component XML File Handler. [CVSS 4.7 MEDIUM]
Signal K Server before 2.19.0 exposes two features that chain together to steal JWT tokens without authentication: WebSocket-based request enumeration plus unauthenticated polling of access request status. An attacker can hijack admin sessions remotely. PoC available.
A flaw has been found in PHPGurukul Online Course Registration up to 3.1. This affects an unknown function. [CVSS 6.3 MEDIUM]
A security vulnerability has been detected in campcodes School File Management System 1.0. The affected element is an unknown function of the file /save_file.php. [CVSS 6.3 MEDIUM]
Missing authorization controls in Conformer for Elementor WordPress plugin version 1.0.7 and earlier allow attackers to exploit incorrectly configured access control security levels, potentially enabling unauthorized access to plugin functionality. The vulnerability stems from broken access control (CWE-862) without explicit authentication requirements, affecting all users of the plugin through version 1.0.7. While EPSS score is minimal at 0.05%, the nature of access control bypasses warrants assessment in WordPress environments where the plugin is deployed.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 37503