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 (32595)
The Jupiter X Core plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authentication bypass in all versions up to, and including, 4.7.5. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
The Download Monitor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the enable_shop() 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.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Supsystic Slider by Supsystic, Supsystic Social Share Buttons by Supsystic.8.6; Social Share Buttons by Supsystic: from n/a through 2.2.9. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Power Platform Terraform Provider allows managing environments and other resources within Power Platform. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue in TheGreenBow Windows Standard VPN Client 6.87.108 (and older), Windows Enterprise VPN Client 6.87.109 (and older), Windows Enterprise VPN Client 7.5.007 (and older), Android VPN Client. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the Central Web Authentication (CWA) feature of Cisco IOS XE Software for Wireless Controllers could allow an unauthenticated, adjacent attacker to bypass the pre-authentication. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the access control list (ACL) programming of Cisco IOS Software running on Cisco Industrial Ethernet 4000, 4010, and 5000 Series Switches could allow an unauthenticated, remote. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the web UI feature of Cisco IOS Software and Cisco IOS XE Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to conduct a cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attack on an. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Meshtastic is an open source, off-grid, decentralized, mesh network. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authorization bypass in the PAM access request approval mechanism in Devolutions Server 2024.2.10 and earlier allows authenticated users with permissions to approve their own requests, bypassing. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Authorization vulnerability in WatchGuard Authentication Gateway (aka Single Sign-On Agent) on Windows allows an attacker with network access to execute restricted management commands.10.2. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Authorization vulnerability in the protocol communication between the WatchGuard Authentication Gateway (aka Single Sign-On Agent) on Windows and the WatchGuard Single Sign-On Client on. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Revolut Gateway for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the /wc/v3/revolut REST API endpoint in all versions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
The WCFM - Frontend Manager for WooCommerce along with Bookings Subscription Listings Compatible plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
The myCred - Loyalty Points and Rewards plugin for WordPress and WooCommerce - Give Points, Ranks, Badges, Cashback, WooCommerce rewards, and WooCommerce credits for Gamification plugin for WordPress. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
The Chatbot with ChatGPT WordPress plugin before 2.4.6 does not have proper authorization in one of its REST endpoint, allowing unauthenticated users to retrieve the encoded key and then decode it,. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The REST API TO MiniProgram plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation via account takeovr in all versions up to, and including, 4.7.1 via the updateUserInfo() due to missing. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Easy Mega Menu Plugin for WordPress - ThemeHunk plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access due to a missing capability check on several functions hooked via AJAX in all versions up. 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 Uncanny Groups for LearnDash plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to user group add due to a missing capability check on the /wp-json/ulgm_management/v1/add_user/ REST API endpoint in all versions. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The Uncanny Groups for LearnDash plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation in all versions up to, and including, 6.1.0.1. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The HUSKY - Products Filter Professional for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and including, 1.3.6.1 via the. 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 Spreadsheet Integration - Automate Google Sheets With WordPress, WooCommerce & Most Popular Form Plugins. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The WP Easy Gallery - WordPress Gallery Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access due to a missing capability check on several functions hooked via AJAX like wpeg_settings and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Mellium mellium.im/xmpp 0.0.1 through 0.21.4 allows response spoofing if the implementation uses predictable IDs because the stanza type is not checked. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An access control issue in IceCMS v3.4.7 and before allows attackers to arbitrarily modify users' information, including username and password, via a crafted POST request sent to the endpoint. 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 access control issue in the CheckVip function in UserController.java of IceCMS v3.4.7 and before allows unauthenticated attackers to access and returns all user information, including passwords. 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 IceCMS v3.4.7 and before allows attackers to authenticate by entering any arbitrary values as the username and password via the loginAdmin method in the. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The web application for ProGauge MAGLINK LX4 CONSOLE contains an administrative-level user account with a password that cannot be changed. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An Incorrect Access Control vulnerability was found in /music/ajax.php?action=delete_playlist in Kashipara Music Management System v1.0. 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.
The Donation Forms by Charitable - Donations Plugin & Fundraising Platform for WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation in all versions up to, and including, 1.8.1.14. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
The Appointment & Event Booking Calendar Plugin - Webba Booking plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the save_appearance(). 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.
Entrust Instant Financial Issuance (On Premise) Software (formerly known as Cardwizard) 6.10.0, 6.9.0, 6.9.1, 6.9.2, and 6.8.x and earlier leaves behind a configuration file (i.e. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A condition exists in FlashArray Purity whereby an attacker can employ a privileged account allowing remote access to the array. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
pgAdmin versions 8.11 and earlier are vulnerable to a security flaw in OAuth2 authentication. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Bypass of two factor authentication in RestAPI in Checkmk < 2.3.0p16 and < 2.2.0p34 allows authenticated users to bypass two factor authentication. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Authentication Bypass by Spoofing vulnerability in Peter Hardy-vanDoorn Maintenance Redirect jf3-maintenance-mode.0.1. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in vesoft NebulaGraph through 3.8.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Improper Authentication vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access.
The Versa Director offers REST APIs for orchestration and management. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
Arc before 2024-08-26 allows remote code execution in JavaScript boosts. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Zitadel is an open source identity management platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Exposure of Sensitive Information vulnerability could allow attackers to access sensitive data that should not be disclosed.
Zitadel is an open source identity management platform. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Zitadel is an open source identity management platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Envoy is a cloud-native high-performance edge/middle/service proxy. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Puma is a Ruby/Rack web server built for parallelism. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Jinan Chicheng Company JFlow 2.0.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In JetBrains YouTrack before 2024.3.44799 access to global app config data without appropriate permissions was possible. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In JetBrains YouTrack before 2024.3.44799 user without appropriate permissions could restore workflows attached to a project. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Microsoft Office Visio Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Kastle Systems firmware prior to May 1, 2024, contained a hard-coded credential, which if accessed may allow an attacker to access sensitive information. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This vulnerability exists in the Apex Softcell LD Geo due to improper validation of the transaction token ID in the API endpoint. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This vulnerability exists in Apex Softcell LD Geo due to missing restrictions for excessive failed authentication attempts on its API based login. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This vulnerability exists in Apex Softcell LD DP Back Office due to improper implementation of OTP validation mechanism in certain API endpoints. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
runofast Indoor Security Camera for Baby Monitor has a default password of password for the root account. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Mesop is a Python-based UI framework designed for rapid web apps development. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
**UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED** An issue was discovered in BMC Remedy Mid Tier 7.6.04. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Directus is a real-time API and App dashboard for managing SQL database content. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Wiki.js is an open source wiki app built on Node.js. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authentication for Critical Function, Missing Authorization vulnerability in Yordam Information Technology Mobile Library Application allows Retrieve Embedded Sensitive Data.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
IBM Business Automation Workflow 22.0.2, 23.0.1, 23.0.2, and 24.0.0 could allow a privileged user to perform unauthorized activities due to improper client side validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication vulnerability in multiple digital video recorders provided by TAKENAKA ENGINEERING CO., LTD. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The WP Hardening - Fix Your WordPress Security plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Security Feature Bypass in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.6. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Next.js is a React framework for building full-stack web applications. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Inappropriate implementation in Autofill in Google Chrome prior to 129.0.6668.58 allowed a remote attacker to perform UI spoofing via a crafted HTML page. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
PTZOptics PT30X-SDI/NDI-xx before firmware 6.3.40 is vulnerable to an insufficient authentication issue. 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.
Sentry is a developer-first error tracking and performance monitoring platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Sentry is a developer-first error tracking and performance monitoring platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
An attacker could write data to the user's clipboard, bypassing the user prompt, during a certain sequence of navigational events. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authorization in Dynamics 365 Business Central resulted in a vulnerability that allows an authenticated attacker to elevate privileges over a network. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
An issue was discovered in the powermail extension through 12.4.0 for TYPO3. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authentication issue was addressed with improved state management. 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 through improved state management. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed by enabling hardened runtime. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed through improved state management. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), 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 low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed by adding an additional prompt for user consent. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed through improved state management. 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 through improved state management. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed by restricting options offered on a locked device. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 16.7 prior to 17.1.7, 17.2 prior to 17.2.5, and 17.3 prior to 17.3.2, where group runners information was disclosed to. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An Incorrect Access Control vulnerability was found in /music/ajax.php?action=delete_genre in Kashipara Music Management System v1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An Incorrect Access Control vulnerability was found in /music/view_user.php?id=3 and /music/controller.php?page=edit_user&id=3 in Kashipara Music Management System v1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.2), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Kashipara Music Management System v1.0 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control via /music/ajax.php?action=save_user. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Improper access control in Intel(R) RAID Web Console software all versions may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via adjacent access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in Intel(R) RAID Web Console all versions may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via adjacent access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in Intel(R) RAID Web Console software for all versions may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in Intel(R) RAID Web Console software for all versions may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via adjacent access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in Intel(R) RAID Web Console all versions may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32595