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 (32604)
A Missing Authorization vulnerability in the Socket Intercept (SI) command file interface of Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved allows an authenticated, low-privilege local attacker to modify certain. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Red is a fully modular Discord bot. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Nuvoton - CWE-305: Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness An attacker with write access to the SPI-Flash on an NPCM7xx BMC subsystem that uses the Nuvoton BootBlock reference code can modify the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 15.8 prior to 16.11.6, starting from 17.0 prior to 17.0.4, and starting from 17.1 prior to 17.1.2, which allows an. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 17.0 prior to 17.0.4 and from 17.1 prior to 17.1.2 where a Guest user with `admin_push_rules` permission may have been. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 17.0 prior to 17.0.4 and from 17.1 prior to 17.1.2 where a Developer user with `admin_compliance_framework` custom role. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 16.5 prior to 16.11.6, starting from 17.0 prior to 17.0.4, and starting from 17.1 prior to 17.1.2 in which a user with. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The InstaWP Connect - 1-click WP Staging & Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authentication bypass in all versions up to, and including, 0.1.0.44. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
The Payflex Payment Gateway plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the payment_callback() function in all versions up to, and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An Improper Check for Unusual or Exceptional Conditions vulnerability in the flow daemon (flowd) of Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX4600 and SRX5000 Series allows an attacker to send TCP packets with. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A non-admin user can cause short-term disruption in Target VM availability in Citrix Provisioning. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
CodiMD allows realtime collaborative markdown notes on all platforms. 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.
Sensitive information disclosure in NetScaler Console. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An improper file signature check in Palo Alto Networks Cortex XDR agent may allow an attacker to bypass the Cortex XDR agent's executable blocking capabilities and run untrusted executables on the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing authentication for a critical function in Palo Alto Networks Expedition can lead to an Expedition admin account takeover for attackers with network access to Expedition. 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.
GLPI is an open-source asset and IT management software package that provides ITIL Service Desk features, licenses tracking and software auditing. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
ServiceNow has addressed a sensitive file read vulnerability that was identified in the Washington DC, Vancouver, and Utah Now Platform releases. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the boot process of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an authenticated, local attacker with high privileges to bypass the Cisco Secure Boot functionality and load unverified. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An unauthenticated remote attacker can manipulate the device via Telnet, stop processes, read, delete and change data. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper handling of insufficient permissions or privileges vulnerability exists in ajaxterm module of Webmin prior to 2.003. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The ProfileGrid - User Profiles, Groups and Communities plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and including, 5.8.9 via the 'pm_upload_image'. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
The Featured Image Generator plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized image upload due to a missing capability check on the fig_save_after_generate_image 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.
Windows Text Services Framework Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
OpenSearch Observability is collection of plugins and applications that visualize data-driven events. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
OpenSearch Dashboards Reports allows ‘Report Owner’ export and share reports from OpenSearch Dashboards. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
In smp_proc_rand of smp_act.cc, there is a possible authentication bypass during legacy BLE pairing due to incorrect implementation of a protocol. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
In multiple locations, there is a possible way to bypass a restriction on adding new Wi-Fi connections 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 CompanionDeviceManagerService.java, there is a possible way to pair a companion device without user acceptance 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.
zot is an OCI image registry. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Windows File Explorer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Windows Remote Desktop Licensing Service Denial of Service Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. This Improper Authentication vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access.
Windows LockDown Policy (WLDP) Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Windows Enroll Engine Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0).
DCOM Remote Cross-Session Activation Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
BitLocker Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
ZKTeco ZKBio CVSecurity v6.1.1 was discovered to contain a hardcoded cryptographic key. 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.
Windows Cryptographic Services Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 (On-Premises) Information Disclosure Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8). This Integer Overflow vulnerability could allow attackers to cause unexpected behavior through arithmetic overflow.
Multiple insufficient session expiration weaknesses [CWE-613] vulnerability in Fortinet FortiAIOps 2.0.0 may allow an attacker to re-use stolen old session tokens to perform unauthorized operations. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An incorrect parsing of numbers with different radices vulnerability [CWE-1389] in FortiProxy version 7.4.3 and below, version 7.2.10 and below, version 7.0.17 and below and FortiOS version 7.4.3 and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An improper access control in Fortinet FortiExtender 4.1.1 - 4.1.9, 4.2.0 - 4.2.6, 5.3.2, 7.0.0 - 7.0.4, 7.2.0 - 7.2.4 and 7.4.0 - 7.4.2 allows an attacker to create users with elevated privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authorization bypass through user-controlled key in Fortinet FortiPortal version 7.2.0, and versions 7.0.0 through 7.0.6 allows attacker to view unauthorized resources via HTTP or HTTPS requests. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
phonenumber is a library for parsing, formatting and validating international phone numbers. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in SINEMA Remote Connect Server (All versions < V3.2 SP1). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
A vulnerability has been identified in SIPROTEC 5 6MD84 (CP300) (All versions < V9.64), SIPROTEC 5 6MD85 (CP200) (All versions), SIPROTEC 5 6MD85 (CP300) (All versions < V9.64), SIPROTEC 5 6MD86. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Longse model LBH30FE200W cameras, as well as products based on this device, provide an unrestricted access for an attacker located in the same local network to an undocumented binary service CoolView. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Authentication Bypass by Spoofing vulnerability in patreon Patreon WordPress patreon-connect.9.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Just Custom Fields plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of functionality due to a missing capability check on several AJAX functions in all versions up to, and including,. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Registration Forms - User Registration Forms, Invitation-Based Registrations, Front-end User Profile, Login Form & Content Restriction plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized arbitrary. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Cliengo - Chatbot plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'update_session' function in all versions up to, and including,. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Cliengo - Chatbot plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'update_chatbot_token' and 'update_chatbot_position' functions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Comment Images Reloaded plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized loss of data due to a missing capability check on the cir_delete_image AJAX action in all versions up to, and including,. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The WP2Speed Faster - Optimize PageSpeed Insights Score 90-100 plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The XPlainer - WooCommerce Product FAQ [WooCommerce Accordion FAQ Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on several functions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The XPlainer - WooCommerce Product FAQ [WooCommerce Accordion FAQ Plugin] plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The LearnDash LMS - Reports plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on several functions (i.e. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The SCSS Happy Compiler - Compile SCSS to CSS & Automatic Enqueue plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting due to a missing capability check and insufficient sanitization on. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Pricing Table plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data due to a missing capability check on the ajax() function in all versions up to, and including, 2.0.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Product Designer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized loss of data due to a missing capability check on the product_designer_ajax_delete_attach_id() function in all versions up to,. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The EventON plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'eventon_import_settings' ajax action in all versions up to, and. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An high privileged remote attacker can enable telnet access that accepts hardcoded credentials. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An unauthenticated remote attacker can use the hard-coded credentials to access the SmartSPS devices with high privileges. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Unlimited Elements For Elementor (Free Widgets, Addons, Templates) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to IP Address Spoofing in all versions up to, and including, 1.5.112 due to insufficient IP. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Due to a Protection Mechanism Failure in SAP NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP and ABAP Platform, a developer can bypass the configured malware scanner API because of a programming error. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Due to missing authorization checks, SAP Enable Now allows an author to escalate privileges to access information which should otherwise be restricted. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SAP CRM WebClient does not perform necessary authorization check for an authenticated user, resulting in escalation of privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SAP S/4HANA Finance (Advanced Payment Management) does not perform necessary authorization check for an authenticated user, resulting in escalation of privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In SAP Commerce, a user can misuse the forgotten password functionality to gain access to a Composable Storefront B2B site for which early login and registration is activated, without requiring the. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Elements of PDCE does not perform necessary authorization checks for an authenticated user, resulting in escalation of privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Media Hygiene: Remove or Delete Unused Images and More!. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Directus is a real-time API and App dashboard for managing SQL database content. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key, Missing Authorization vulnerability in ExtremePacs Extreme XDS allows Collect Data as Provided by Users. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
IBM MQ Operator 3.2.2 and IBM MQ Operator 2.0.24 could allow a user to bypass authentication under certain configurations due to a partial string comparison vulnerability. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Certain http endpoints of Checkmk in Checkmk < 2.3.0p10 < 2.2.0p31, < 2.1.0p46, <= 2.0.0p39 allows remote attacker to bypass authentication and access data. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the /models/apply endpoint of mudler/localai versions 2.15.0 allows for Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) and partial Local File Inclusion (LFI). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WpDevArt Responsive Image Gallery, Gallery Album.0.3. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Evmos is a decentralized Ethereum Virtual Machine chain on the Cosmos Network. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
Traefik is an HTTP reverse proxy and load balancer. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Mastodon is a self-hosted, federated microblogging platform. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), 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.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32604