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 (32551)
Cobbler, a Linux installation server that allows for rapid setup of network installation environments, has an improper authentication vulnerability starting in version 3.0.0 and prior to versions. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Elfsight Telegram Chat CC plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data to a missing capability check on the 'updatePreferences' function in all versions up to, and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authentication bypass in Palo Alto Networks PAN-OS software enables an unauthenticated attacker with network access to the management web interface to gain PAN-OS administrator privileges to. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
In RSA NetWitness (NW) Platform before 12.5.1, even when an administrator revokes the access of a specific user with an active session, an internal threat actor could impersonate the revoked user and. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An IDOR (Insecure Direct Object Reference) vulnerability has been discovered in AbsysNet, affecting version 2.3.1. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Unchecked Error Condition vulnerability in Apache Tomcat. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Moodle. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Moodle. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Moodle. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A low privileged remote attacker may modify the configuration of the CODESYS V3 service through a missing authentication vulnerability which could lead to full system access and/or DoS. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A low privileged remote attacker may modify the docker settings setup of the device, leading to a limited DoS. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A low privileged remote attacker may modify the boot mode configuration setup of the device, leading to modification of the firmware upgrade process or a denial-of-service attack. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
ZTE NH8091 product has an improper permission control vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Bitcoin Core before 25.0, a peer can affect the download state of other peers by sending a mutated block. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Flagsmith before 2.134.1, it is possible to bypass the ALLOW_REGISTRATION_WITHOUT_INVITE setting. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Eugen Bobrowski Debug Tool debug-tool allows Upload a Web Shell to a Web Server.2. Rated critical severity (CVSS 10.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Customer Reviews for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access due to a missing capability check on the cancel_import() function in all versions up to, and including,. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
The Post Grid Gutenberg Blocks and WordPress Blog Plugin - PostX plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized plugin installation/activation due to a missing capability check on the. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
The WP Log Viewer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized use of functionality due to a missing capability check on several AJAX actions in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The WP Chat App plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized plugin installation due to a missing capability check on the ajax_install_plugin() function in all versions up to, and including,. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
The Popup Box - Create Countdown, Coupon, Video, Contact Form Popups plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Popularis Extra plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.7 via the 'elementor-template' shortcode due to insufficient restrictions on. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Simple Local Avatars plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of datadue to a missing capability check on the sla_clear_user_cache function in all versions up to, and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A security vulnerability has been identified in HPE Cray Data Virtualization Service (DVS). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A security vulnerability has been identified in HPE Data Management Framework (DMF) Suite (CXFS). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
GLPI is a free asset and IT management software package. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Azure Stack HCI Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A security bypass vulnerability exists in the Removable Media Encryption (RME)component of Digital Guardian Windows Agents prior to version 8.2.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Nextcloud Server is a self hosted personal cloud system. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Nextcloud Tables allows users to to create tables with individual columns. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Nextcloud Mail is the mail app for Nextcloud, a self-hosted productivity platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Nextcloud Tables allows users to to create tables with individual columns. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Budget Control Gateway acts as an entry point for incoming requests and routes them to the appropriate microservices for Budget Control. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Nextcloud Server is a self hosted personal cloud system. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
CRMEB <=5.4.0 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
java_shop 1.0 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information of users with different IDs by modifying the ID parameter. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
python_book V1.0 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control, which allows attackers to obtain sensitive information of users with different IDs by modifying the ID parameter. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The python_food ordering system V1.0 has an unauthorized vulnerability that leads to the leakage of sensitive user information. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the implementation of the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) IPv4 access control list (ACL) feature of Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
phpIPAM version 1.5.1 contains a vulnerability where an attacker can bypass the IP block mechanism to brute force passwords for users by using the 'X-Forwarded-For' header. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. Public exploit code available.
The External Database Based Actions plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authentication bypass in versions up to, and including, 0.1. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Music Player for Elementor - Audio Player & Podcast Player plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the import_mpfe_template(). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
The Tutor LMS Elementor Addons plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized plugin installation due to a missing capability check on the install_etlms_dependency_plugin() function in all. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
The Really Simple Security (Free, Pro, and Pro Multisite) plugins for WordPress are vulnerable to authentication bypass in versions 9.0.0 to 9.1.1.1. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
The debug port on the ventilator's serial interface is enabled by default. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Clinician Password and Serial Number Clinician Password are hard-coded into the ventilator in plaintext form. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The ventilator and the Service PC lack sufficient audit logging capabilities to allow for detection of malicious activity and subsequent forensic examination. Rated critical severity (CVSS 10.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The software tools used by service personnel to test & calibrate the ventilator do not support user authentication. Rated critical severity (CVSS 10.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Insyde IHISI function 0x49 can restore factory defaults for certain UEFI variables without further authentication by default, which could lead to a possible roll-back attack in certain platforms. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3). No vendor patch available.
A misconfiguration in the fingerprint authentication mechanism of Binance: BTC, Crypto and NFTS v2.85.4, allows attackers to bypass authentication when adding a new fingerprint. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper data protection on the ventilator's serial interface could allow an attacker to send and receive messages that result in unauthorized disclosure of information and/or have unintended impacts. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
There is no limit on the number of failed login attempts permitted with the Clinician Password or the Serial Number Clinician Password. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A local user can bypass the OpenAFS PAG (Process Authentication Group) throttling mechanism in Unix clients, allowing the user to create a PAG using an existing id number, effectively joining the PAG. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in aitool Ai Auto Tool Content Writing Assistant (Gemini Writer, ChatGPT ) All in One ai-auto-tool allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Privilege escalation in medmatech Matix Popup Builder WordPress plugin (versions up to and including 1.0.0) allows remote unauthenticated attackers to gain elevated privileges by abusing missing authorization checks. With a CVSS score of 9.8 and an EPSS score of 13.56% (94th percentile), this represents elevated exploitation risk relative to typical CVEs, though no public exploit identified at time of analysis.
In lunary-ai/lunary versions 1.2.2 through 1.2.6, an incorrect authorization vulnerability allows unprivileged users to re-generate the private key for projects they do not have access to. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
A vulnerability has been found in SourceCodester Best Employee Management System 1.0 and classified as critical. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical has been found in EyouCMS up to 1.6.7. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Apereo CAS 6.6. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 16.0 prior to 17.3.7, starting from 17.4 prior to 17.4.4, and starting from 17.5 prior to 17.5.2, which could have allowed. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Unauthorized access vulnerability in the mobile application (com.transsion.phoenix) can lead to the leakage of user information. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Cybele Software Thinfinity Workspace before v7.0.2.113 was discovered to contain a hardcoded cryptographic key used for encryption. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Cybele Software Thinfinity Workspace before v7.0.2.113 was discovered to contain an access control issue in the Create Profile section. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect access control in Cybele Software Thinfinity Workspace before v7.0.3.109 allows attackers to gain access to a secondary broker via a crafted request. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Cybele Software Thinfinity Workspace before v7.0.2.113 was discovered to contain an access control issue in the API endpoint where Web Sockets connections are established. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Jenkins Shared Library Version Override Plugin 17.v786074c9fce7 and earlier declares folder-scoped library overrides as trusted, so that they're not executed in the Script Security sandbox, allowing. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Jenkins Script Security Plugin 1367.vdf2fc45f229c and earlier, except 1365.1367.va_3b_b_89f8a_95b_ and 1362.1364.v4cf2dc5d8776, does not perform a permission check in a method implementing form. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
baltic-it TOPqw Webportal v1.35.283.2 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control in the User Management function in /Apps/TOPqw/BenutzerManagement.aspx. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Access Control in UEFI firmware for some Intel(R) Server Board M70KLP may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.7).
Improper access control in UEFI firmware in some Intel(R) Server M20NTP Family may allow a privileged user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.6). No vendor patch available.
Improper Access Control in some Intel(R) DSA before version 24.3.26.8 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Access Control in some Thunderbolt(TM) Share software before version 1.0.49.9 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Improper access control for some Intel(R) EMA software before version 1.13.1.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control for some Intel(R) Arc(TM) Pro Graphics for Windows drivers before version 31.0.101.5319 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Improper access control for some BigDL software maintained by Intel(R) before version 2.5.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via adjacent access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in some JAM STAPL Player software before version 2.6.1 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in some Intel(R) Granulate(TM) software before version 4.30.1 may allow a authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An information disclosure vulnerability exists in Yugabyte Anywhere, where the LDAP bind password is logged in plaintext within application logs. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9). No vendor patch available.
In multiple locations, there is a possible cross-user image read due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.0), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In updateInternal of MediaProvider.java , there is a possible access of another app's files due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In multiple functions in AppInfoBase.java, there is a possible way to manipulate app permission settings belonging to another user on the device due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In getInstalledAccessibilityPreferences of AccessibilitySettings.java, there is a possible way to hide an enabled accessibility service in the accessibility service settings due to a logic error in. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In DevmemIntChangeSparse2 of devicemem_server.c, there is a possible way to achieve arbitrary code execution due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In mayAdminGrantPermission of AdminRestrictedPermissionsUtils.java, there is a possible way to access the microphone due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
Craft is a content management system (CMS). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Symphony process is a module for the Symphony PHP framework which executes commands in sub-processes. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Progress® Telerik® Report Server versions prior to 2024 Q4 (10.3.24.1112), the encryption of local asset data used an older algorithm which may allow a sophisticated actor to decrypt this. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.2), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DataEase is an open source data visualization analysis tool. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
An information disclosure vulnerability exists in the backup configuration process where the SAS token is not masked in the configuration response. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.7). No vendor patch available.
A authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel in Fortinet FortiClientWindows version 7.4.0, versions 7.2.4 through 7.2.0, versions 7.0.12 through 7.0.0, and 6.4.10 through 6.4.0 allows. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32551