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 (37618)
A broken access control vulnerability exists in HPE Aruba Networking EdgeConnect OS (ECOS). 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 HPE Aruba Networking SD-WAN Gateways could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to bypass firewall protections. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Liferay Portal 7.3.0 through 7.4.3.111, and Liferay DXP 2023.Q4.0, 2023.Q3.1 through 2023.Q3.4, 7.4 GA through update 92, and 7.3 GA through update 35 does not perform an authorization check when. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the EnableTwoFactorAuthRequest SOAP endpoint of Zimbra Collaboration (ZCS) allows an attacker with valid user credentials to bypass Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) protection. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Ilevia EVE X1 Server version ≤ 4.7.18.0.eden contains a vulnerability in its server-side logging mechanism that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to retrieve plaintext credentials from exposed. 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.
Insufficient ui warning of dangerous operations in Microsoft Edge for Android allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An incorrect API discovered in Signify Wiz Connected 1.9.1 allows attackers to remotely launch a DoS on Wiz devices only requiring the MAC address. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The mcp-database-server (MCP Server) 1.1.0 and earlier, as distributed via the npm package @executeautomation/database-server, fails to implement adequate security controls to properly enforce a. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key, Externally Controlled Reference to a Resource in Another Sphere, Improper Authorization vulnerability in Patika Global Technologies HumanSuite allows. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability in Beefull Energy Technologies Beefull App allows Exploitation of Trusted Identifiers.07.2025. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
If the Access Control List is enforced by the Control-M/Agent and the C router is in use (default in Out-of-support Control-M/Agent versions 9.0.18 to 9.0.20 and potentially earlier unsupported. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in the out-of-support Control-M/Agent versions 9.0.18 to 9.0.20 and potentially earlier unsupported versions when using an empty or default kdb keystore. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Mitigation bypass in the Web Compatibility: Tooling component. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Spoofing issue in the WebAuthn component in Firefox for Android. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Same-origin policy bypass in the Layout component. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Blaze Demo Importer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized limited plugin install due to a missing capability check on the 'blaze_demo_importer_install_plugin' function in all. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Spring Framework annotation detection mechanism may not correctly resolve annotations on methods within type hierarchies with a parameterized super type with unbounded generics. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Spring Security annotation detection mechanism may not correctly resolve annotations on methods within type hierarchies with a parameterized super type with unbounded generics. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
There is an unauthorized access vulnerability in ZTE T5400. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Sparkle framework includes a helper tool Autoupdate. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Sparkle framework includes an XPC service Downloader.xpc, by default this service is private to the application its bundled with. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability with user privileges in ArgusTech BILGER allows Exploitation of Trusted Identifiers.4.6. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Click Studios Passwordstate before 9.9 Build 9972 has a potential authentication bypass for Passwordstate emergency access. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.2), this vulnerability is no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed with improved handling of symlinks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional sandbox restrictions. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An access issue was addressed with additional sandbox restrictions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A file quarantine bypass was addressed with additional checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.2), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A downgrade issue was addressed with additional code-signing restrictions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An access issue was addressed with additional sandbox restrictions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was resolved by blocking unsigned services from launching on Intel Macs. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed with additional entitlement checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.2), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed with additional entitlement checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed with additional entitlement checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed with improved checks to prevent unauthorized actions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue existed in the handling of environment variables. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed with improved entitlements. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed through improved state management. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authorization issue was addressed with improved state management. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed with improved URL validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed by adding additional logic. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SourceCodester Web-based Pharmacy Product Management System 1.0 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control, which allows low-privileged users to forge high privileged (such as admin) sessions and. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A weakness has been identified in SourceCodester Online Student File Management System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Openfire is an XMPP server licensed under the Open Source Apache License. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
The MongoDB Windows installation MSI may leave ACLs unset on custom installation directories allowing a local attacker to introduce executable code to MongoDB's process via DLL hijacking.0 version. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in the methods push.lite.avtech.com.AvtechLib.GetHttpsResponse and push.lite.avtech.com.Push_HttpService.getNewHttpClient in AVTECH EagleEyes 2.0.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was detected in Campcodes Online Job Finder System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The Chaos Controller Manager in Chaos Mesh exposes a GraphQL debugging server without authentication to the entire Kubernetes cluster, which provides an API to kill arbitrary processes in any. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Mattermost versions 10.8.x <= 10.8.3, 10.5.x <= 10.5.8, 9.11.x <= 9.11.17, 10.10.x <= 10.10.1, 10.9.x <= 10.9.3 fail to properly validate cache keys for link metadata which allows authenticated users. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Mattermost versions 10.10.x <= 10.10.1 fail to properly sanitize user data during shared channel membership synchronization, which allows malicious or compromised remote clusters to access sensitive. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
During a short time frame while the device is booting an unauthenticated remote attacker can send traffic to unauthorized networks due to the switch operating in an undefined state until a. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A security vulnerability has been detected in SourceCodester Pet Grooming Management Software 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A weakness has been identified in SourceCodester Pet Grooming Management Software 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was identified in 1000projects Online Student Project Report Submission and Evaluation System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was determined in 1000projects Online Student Project Report Submission and Evaluation System 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in newbee-mall 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Statistical Database System developed by Gotac has a Missing Authentication vulnerability, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to read, modify, and delete database contents with high-level. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been discovered in AC Smart II where passwords can be changed without authorization. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
IBM QRadar SIEM 7.5 through 7.5 Update Pack 13 Independent Fix 01 could allow a local privileged user to perform unauthorized actions on configuration files due to improper permission assignment. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A security flaw has been discovered in fcba_zzm ics-park Smart Park Management System 2.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A security flaw has been discovered in eCharge Hardy Barth Salia PLCC up to 2.3.81.php. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Incorrect access control in the web service of Audi UTR 2.0 Universal Traffic Recorder 2.0 allows attackers to download car information without authentication. 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.
Incorrect access control in the FTP protocol of Audi UTR 2.0 Universal Traffic Recorder 2.0 allows attackers to authenticate into the service using any combination of username and password. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Flowise is a drag & drop user interface to build a customized large language model flow. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
OpenSynergy BlueSDK (aka Blue SDK) through 6.x has Incorrect Control Flow Scoping. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
OpenSynergy BlueSDK (aka Blue SDK) through 6.x mishandles a function call. 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.
An issue in TOTOLINK Wi-Fi 6 Router Series Device X2000R-Gh-V2.0.0 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the default password. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue in H3C Magic M Device M2V100R006 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the default password. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue in H3C Device R365V300R004 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the default password. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Evertz SDVN 3080ipx-10G is a High Bandwidth Ethernet Switching Fabric for Video Application. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 37618