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 (32663)
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco Catalyst Center, formerly Cisco DNA Center, could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to change specific data within the interface. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the boot process of Cisco Access Point (AP) Software could allow an unauthenticated, physical attacker to bypass the Cisco Secure Boot functionality and load a software image that. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness vulnerability in TeoSOFT Software TeoBASE allows Authentication Bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell InsightIQ, version 5.0, contains an improper access control vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Networker - Tech News WordPress Theme with Dark Mode theme for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the admin_reload_nav_menu(). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered on WyreStorm Apollo VX20 devices before 1.3.58. 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.
REST service authentication anomaly with “valid username/no password” credential combination for batch job processing resulting in successful service invocation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
It is possible for a user in a different organization from the owner of a snapshot to bypass authorization and delete a snapshot by issuing a DELETE request to /api/snapshots/<key> using its view. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Improper access control in PAM vault permissions in Devolutions Server 2024.1.10.0 and earlier allows an authenticated user with access to the PAM to access unauthorized PAM entries via a specific. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in PAM JIT elevation in Devolutions Server 2024.1.6 and earlier allows an attacker with access to the PAM JIT elevation feature to elevate themselves to unauthorized groups. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell Grab for Windows, versions up to and including 5.0.4, contain Weak Application Folder Permissions vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An uninitialized pointer in Rockwell Automation Arena Simulation software could potentially allow a malicious user to insert unauthorized code to the software by leveraging the pointer after it is. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A memory buffer vulnerability in Rockwell Automation Arena Simulation software could potentially allow a malicious user to insert unauthorized code to the software by corrupting the memory and. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Themeisle Multiple Page Generator Plugin - MPG.4.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Wholesale Team WholesaleX.3.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in SoftLab Radio Player.0.73. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in SNP Digital SalesKing.6.15. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in voidCoders Void Contact Form 7 Widget For Elementor Page Builder.3. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WooCommerce WooCommerce Box Office.2.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Uriahs Victor Location Picker at Checkout for WooCommerce.8.9. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in PropertyHive.0.6. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in weDevs WooCommerce Conversion Tracking.0.11. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in AccessAlly PopupAlly.1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Deepak anand WP Dummy Content Generator.1.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in wolfSSH's server-side state machine before versions 1.4.17. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
ESP-IDF is the development framework for Espressif SoCs supported on Windows, Linux and macOS. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.7), this vulnerability is no authentication required.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WP Swings Points and Rewards for WooCommerce.5.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in CodePeople Google Maps CP.0.43. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in MainWP MainWP Wordfence Extension.0.7. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ShareThis ShareThis Dashboard for Google Analytics.1.4. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Muffingroup Betheme.6.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Muffingroup Betheme.6.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Muffingroup Betheme.6.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Muffingroup Betheme.6.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Squirrly SEO Plugin by Squirrly SEO.1.20. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ThemeHunk Advance WordPress Search Plugin.2.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to reset the password of anonymous users without authorization on the affected LG LED Assistant. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in InspiryThemes RealHomes realhomes.3.8. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in InspiryThemes RealHomes realhomes.3.8. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in HashThemes Viral News, HashThemes Viral, HashThemes HashOne.4.5; Viral: from n/a through 1.8.0; HashOne: from n/a through 1.3.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Sparkle WP Educenter.5.5. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
OneUptime is a solution for monitoring and managing online services. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in BdThemes Element Pack Elementor Addons.4.11. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in realmag777 BEAR.1.4. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Metagauss EventPrime.3.9. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Privileges are not fully verified server-side, which can be abused by a user with limited privileges to bypass authorization and access privileged functionality. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Jean-David Daviet Download Media.4.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Authentication vulnerability in Melapress WP 2FA allows Authentication Bypass.2.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Datalust Seq before 2023.4.11151 and 2024 before 2024.1.11146 has Incorrect Access Control because a Project Owner or Organization Owner can escalate to System privileges. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Weak access control in OpenText PVCS Version Manager allows potential bypassing of authentication and uploading of files. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Weak access control in OpenText PVCS Version Manager allows potential bypassing of authentication and download of files. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Use of Hard-coded Credentials in Kiloview NDI allows un-authenticated users to bypass authenticationThis issue affects Kiloview NDI N3, N3-s, N4, N20, N30, N40 and was fixed in Firmware version. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Deno is a JavaScript, TypeScript, and WebAssembly runtime. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Grav is a content management system (CMS). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Minder is a software supply chain security platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Docassemble is an expert system for guided interviews and document assembly. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Frappe is a full-stack web application framework. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Microsoft Edge for Android (Chromium-based) Information Disclosure Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
An access control issue in Dreamer CMS v4.0.1 allows attackers to download backup files and leak sensitive information. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The Tutor LMS - eLearning and online course solution plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized loss of data due to a missing capability check on the tutor_delete_announcement() function in. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness vulnerability in XPodas Octopod allows Authentication Bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
OAuthenticator provides plugins for JupyterHub to use common OAuth providers, as well as base classes for writing one's own Authenticators with any OAuth 2.0 provider. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Jupyter Server Proxy allows users to run arbitrary external processes alongside their Jupyter notebook servers and provides authenticated web access. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability could allow attackers to access critical functionality without authentication.
In Progress MOVEit Transfer versions released before 2022.0.11 (14.0.11), 2022.1.12 (14.1.12), 2023.0.9 (15.0.9), 2023.1.4 (15.1.4), a logging bypass vulnerability has been discovered. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Unit4 Financials by Coda versions prior to 2023Q4 suffer from an incorrect access control authorization bypass vulnerability which allows an authenticated user to modify the password of any user of. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Save as PDF plugin by Pdfcrowd Word Replacer Pro.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Olive Themes Olive One Click Demo Import allows importing settings and data, ultimately leading to XSS.1.1. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The RevivePress - Keep your Old Content Evergreen plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification of data due to a missing capability check on the import_data and copy_data. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Coming Soon & Maintenance Mode by Colorlib plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.99 via the REST API. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Coming Soon, Under Construction & Maintenance Mode By Dazzler plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to maintenance mode bypass in all versions up to, and including, 2.1.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Order Tip for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data due to a missing capability check on the export_tips_to_csv() 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.
The Permalink Manager Lite plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'ajax_save_permalink' function in all versions up to, and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
An issue was discovered in Elspec G5 digital fault recorder versions 1.1.4.15 and before. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Smart Custom Fields plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data due to a missing capability check on the relational_posts_search() 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.
The Chirp Access app contains a hard-coded password, BEACON_PASSWORD. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in Ruijie RG-NBS2009G-P up to 20240305. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue in Advanced Plugins reportsstatistics v1.3.20 and before allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via the Sales Reports, Statistics, Custom Fields & Export module. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in Devklan's Alma Blog that affects versions 2.1.10 and earlier. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
ClickHouse is an open-source column-oriented database management system. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
The Enjoy Social Feed plugin for WordPress website WordPress plugin through 6.2.2 does not have authorisation when resetting its database, allowing any authenticated users, such as subscriber to. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.19 and earlier are affected by an Information Exposure vulnerability that could result in a Security feature bypass. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
CWE-307: Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts vulnerability exists that could cause account takeover and unauthorized access to the system when an attacker conducts brute-force. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
GLPI is a Free Asset and IT Management Software package, Data center management, ITIL Service Desk, licenses tracking and software auditing. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
GLPI is a Free Asset and IT Management Software package, Data center management, ITIL Service Desk, licenses tracking and software auditing. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
In Spring Security, versions 5.7.x prior to 5.7.12, 5.8.x prior to 5.8.11, versions 6.0.x prior to 6.0.9, versions 6.1.x prior to 6.1.8, versions 6.2.x prior to 6.2.3, an application is possible. 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.
Unitronics Unistream Unilogic - Versions prior to 1.35.227 - CWE-259: Use of Hard-coded Password may allow disclosing Sensitive Information Embedded inside Device's Firmware. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
CWE-287: Improper Authentication may allow Authentication Bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
ColdFusion versions 2023.6, 2021.12 and earlier are affected by an Improper Access Control vulnerability that could result in arbitrary file system read. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Improper authorization in the report management and creation module of BMC Control-M branches 9.0.20 and 9.0.21 allows logged-in users to read and make unauthorized changes to any reports available. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication vulnerability in exists in multiple printers and scanners which implement Web Based Management provided by BROTHER INDUSTRIES, LTD. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32663