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 (32713)
Discourse is a platform for community discussion. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Discourse-reactions is a plugin that allows user to add their reactions to the post. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Clerk helps developers build user management. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
NVIDIA DGX A100 BMC contains a vulnerability where a user may cause a missing authentication issue for a critical function by an adjacent network . Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The secret value used for access to critical UDS services of the MIB3 infotainment is hardcoded in the firmware. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The router console is accessible without authentication at "data" field, and while a user needs to be logged in in order to modify the configuration, the session state is shared. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Root user password is hardcoded into the device and cannot be changed in the user interface. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A missing authorization check vulnerability exists in GitLab Remote Development affecting all versions prior to 16.5.6, 16.6 prior to 16.6.4 and 16.7 prior to 16.7.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect authorization checks in GitLab CE/EE from all versions starting from 8.13 before 16.5.6, all versions starting from 16.6 before 16.6.4, all versions starting from 16.7 before 16.7.2, allows. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
An issue has been discovered in GitLab EE affecting all versions starting from 15.3 before 16.5.6, all versions starting from 16.6 before 16.6.4, all versions starting from 16.7 before 16.7.2. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered on GL.iNet devices before version 4.5.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered on GL.iNet devices before version 4.5.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and EPSS exploitation probability 52.3%.
An issue was discovered in CentralSquare Click2Gov Building Permit before October 2023. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
ELAN Match-on-Chip FPR solution has design fault about potential risk of valid SID leakage and enumeration with spoof sensor. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.0), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An Unsupported Feature in the UI vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos OS on MX Series and EX9200 Series allows an unauthenticated, network-based attacker to cause partial impact to the integrity. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An Improper Access Control vulnerability in the Juniper Networks Paragon Active Assurance Control Center allows an unauthenticated network-based attacker to access reports without authenticating,. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A spoofing attack in ujcms v.8.0.2 allows a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information and execute arbitrary code via a crafted script to the X-Forwarded-For function in the header. 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.
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Hozard alarm system (Alarmsysteem) v1.0 is vulnerable to Improper Authentication. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Flient Smart Door Lock v1.0 is vulnerable to Use of Default Credentials. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in DeShang DSMall up to 6.1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in DeShang DSCMS up to 3.1.2/7.1. 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 DeShang DSKMS up to 3.1.2. 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 DeShang DSShop up to 3.1.0. 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 DeShang DSMall up to 6.1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
When access to the "admin" folder is not protected by some external authorization mechanisms e.g. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
D-Link DIR-822+ V1.0.2 contains a login bypass in the HNAP1 interface, which allows attackers to log in to administrator accounts with empty passwords. 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.
ScaleFusion 10.5.2 does not properly limit users to the Edge application because Alt-F4 can be used. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In ScaleFusion (Windows Desktop App) agent 10.5.2, Kiosk mode application restrictions can be bypassed allowing arbitrary code to be executed. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The LightStart - Maintenance Mode, Coming Soon and Landing Page Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Slick Social Share Buttons plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'dcssb_ajax_update' function in versions up to, and. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The POST SMTP Mailer - Email log, Delivery Failure Notifications and Best Mail SMTP for WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data and modification of data due to a. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and EPSS exploitation probability 93.7%.
The Paid Memberships Pro - Content Restriction, User Registration, & Paid Subscriptions plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of membership levels created by the plugin due. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Hostinger plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized plugin settings update due to a missing capability check on the function publish_website in all versions up to, and including, 1.9.7. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), 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 Gallery Plugin for WordPress - Envira Photo Gallery plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to an improper capability check on the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
The GTG Product Feed for Shopping plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'update_settings' function in versions up to, and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The CAOS | Host Google Analytics Locally plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'update_settings' function in versions up to,. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), 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 SpeedyCache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the speedycache_save_varniship, speedycache_img_update_settings,. 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 ElementsKit Elementor addons plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Sensitive Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 3.0.3 via the ekit_widgetarea_content function. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
The User Profile Builder - Beautiful User Registration Forms, User Profiles & User Role Editor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data due to a missing capability check on. 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 Manage Notification E-mails plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Missing Authorization in all versions up to, and including, 1.8.5 via the card_famne_export_settings function. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
The Export WP Page to Static HTML/CSS plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data and modification of data due to a missing capability check on multiple AJAX actions in all. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), 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 Backup Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data due to insufficient path and file validation on the BMI_BACKUP case of the handle_downloading function in all. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and EPSS exploitation probability 21.8%.
The Easy Social Feed plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on multiple AJAX functions in all versions up to, and including, 6.5.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The LearnPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and including, 4.2.5.7 via the /wp-json/lp/v1/profile/course-tab REST API due to missing. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Contact Form 7 - Dynamic Text Extension plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and including, 4.1.0 via the CF7_get_custom_field and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
pimcore/customer-data-framework is the Customer Management Framework for management of customer data within Pimcore. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
The Customer Management Framework (CMF) for Pimcore adds functionality for customer data management, segmentation, personalization and marketing automation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
ecommerce-framework-bundle is the Pimcore Ecommerce Framework Bundle. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
An attacker with network access to the affected PLC (CJ-series and CS-series PLCs, all versions) may use a network protocol to read and write files on the PLC internal memory and memory card. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks This issue is fixed in macOS Sonoma 14. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed by improving Face ID anti-spoofing models. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), 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 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 authentication issue was addressed with improved state management. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An access issue was addressed with additional sandbox restrictions. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability [CWE-639] affecting PortiPortal version 7.2.1 and below, version 7.0.6 and below, version 6.0.14 and below, version 5.3.8 and below. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A improper access control in Fortinet FortiPortal version 7.0.0 through 7.0.6, Fortinet FortiPortal version 7.2.0 through 7.2.1 allows attacker to escalate its privilege via specifically crafted HTTP. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A recovery notification bypass vulnerability exists in the userRecoverPass.php captcha validation functionality of WWBN AVideo dev master commit 15fed957fb. 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.
A login attempt restriction bypass vulnerability exists in the checkLoginAttempts functionality of WWBN AVideo dev master commit 15fed957fb. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The EventON - WordPress Virtual Event Calendar Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data and loss of data due to a missing capability check on the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), 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 vulnerability allows an authenticated remote attacker to perform actions exceeding their authorized access via crafted HTTP requests. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to authenticate to the SSH service with root privileges through a hidden hard-coded account. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to authenticate to the web application with high privileges through multiple hidden hard-coded accounts. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to read arbitrary files under the context of the application OS user (“root”) via a crafted HTTP request. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The vulnerability allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to upload arbitrary files under the context of the application OS user (“root”) via a crafted HTTP request. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
D-Link R15 before v1.08.02 was discovered to contain no firewall restrictions for IPv6 traffic. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Totolink N200RE_V5 V9.3.5u.6255_B20211224 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability was found in DeShang DSO2O up to 4.1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been found in Mandelo ssm_shiro_blog 1.0 and classified as problematic. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Windows Server Key Distribution Service Security Feature Bypass. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Microsoft Bluetooth Driver Spoofing Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.7), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Epss exploitation probability 29.6%.
Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Permission Assignment vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources due to misconfigured permissions.
Windows Kerberos Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Epss exploitation probability 16.0%.
BitLocker Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.6), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Epss exploitation probability 15.7%.
Windows Group Policy Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0).
Windows HTML Platforms Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
NET, .NET Framework, and Visual Studio Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Microsoft.Data.SqlClient and System.Data.SqlClient SQL Data Provider Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
The issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). Actively exploited in the wild (cisa kev) and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in Totolink T6 4.1.9cu.5241_B20210923. 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.
An Improper Authentication vulnerability in Korenix JetNet TFTP allows abuse of this service. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC IPC1047E (All versions with maxView Storage Manager < V4.14.00.26068 on Windows), SIMATIC IPC647E (All versions with maxView Storage Manager <. Rated critical severity (CVSS 10.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC CN 4100 (All versions < V2.7). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
In Appwrite CLI before 3.0.0, when using the login command, the credentials of the Appwrite user are stored in a ~/.appwrite/prefs.json file with 0644 as UNIX permissions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
SAP S/4HANA Finance for (Advanced Payment Management) - versions SAPSCORE 128, S4CORE 107, does not perform necessary authorization checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dataiku DSS before 11.4.5 and 12.4.1 has Incorrect Access Control that could lead to a full authentication bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SAP LT Replication Server - version S4CORE 103, S4CORE 104, S4CORE 105, S4CORE 106, S4CORE 107, S4CORE 108, does not perform necessary authorization checks. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3). No vendor patch available.
juzaweb <= 3.4 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control, resulting in an application outage after a 500 HTTP status code. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32713