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 (32760)
An Incorrect authorisation check in SQLLab in Apache Superset versions up to and including 2.1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A missing permission check in Jenkins Frugal Testing Plugin 1.1 and earlier allows attackers with Overall/Read permission to connect to Frugal Testing using attacker-specified credentials. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Jenkins Assembla Auth Plugin 1.14 and earlier does not verify that the permissions it grants are enabled, resulting in users with EDIT permissions to be granted Overall/Manage and Overall/SystemRead. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Jenkins AWS CodeCommit Trigger Plugin 3.0.12 and earlier does not perform a permission check in an HTTP endpoint, allowing attackers with Overall/Read permission to clear the SQS queue. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A missing permission check in Jenkins AWS CodeCommit Trigger Plugin 3.0.12 and earlier allows attackers with Overall/Read permission to enumerate credentials IDs of AWS credentials stored in Jenkins. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An improper default REST API permission for Gamma users in Apache Superset up to and including 2.1.0 allows for an authenticated Gamma user to test database connections. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
A non Admin authenticated user could incorrectly create resources using the import charts feature, on Apache Superset up to and including 2.1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper data authorization check on Jinja templated queries in Apache Superset up to and including 2.1.0 allows for an authenticated user to issue queries on database tables they may not have access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication vulnerability in Archer C20 firmware versions prior to 'Archer C20(JP)_V1_230616' allows a network-adjacent unauthenticated attacker to execute an arbitrary OS command via a. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Archer C50 firmware versions prior to 'Archer C50(JP)_V3_230505' and Archer C55 firmware versions prior to 'Archer C55(JP)_V1_230506' use hard-coded credentials to login to the affected device, which. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus GINA Client Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity Authentication Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication in LocalProvier of Gallery prior to version 14.5.01.2 allows attacker to access the data in content provider. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication in GallerySearchProvider of Gallery prior to version 14.5.01.2 allows attacker to access search history. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication in Phone and Messaging Storage SMR SEP-2023 Release 1 allows attacker to insert arbitrary data to the provider. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication in SecSettings prior to SMR Sep-2023 Release 1 allows attacker to access Captive Portal Wi-Fi in Reactivation Lock status. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed with improved checks to prevent unauthorized actions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
ARDEREG Sistema SCADA Central versions 2.203 and prior login page are vulnerable to an unauthenticated blind SQL injection attack. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Cacti is an open source operational monitoring and fault management framework. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A hard coded password in Super Store Finder v3.6 allows attackers to access the administration panel. 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.
Authentication Bypass by Spoofing vulnerability in Neutron Neutron Smart VMS allows Authentication Bypass.1.0.1. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in the OAS Engine functionality of Open Automation Software OAS Platform v18.00.0072. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in the OAS Engine authentication functionality of Open Automation Software OAS Platform v18.00.0072. 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 authentication bypass vulnerability exists in the OAS Engine functionality of Open Automation Software OAS Platform v18.00.0072. 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.
Cerebrate before 1.15 lacks the Secure attribute for the session cookie. 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.
Transient DOS in WLAN Host when an invalid channel (like channel out of range) is received in STA during CSA IE. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Transient DOS in WLAN Host while doing channel switch announcement (CSA), when a mobile station receives invalid channel in CSA IE. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Transient DOS in WLAN Host when a mobile station receives invalid channel in CSA IE while doing channel switch announcement (CSA). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
IBM Aspera Faspex 5.0.5 could allow a remote attacked to bypass IP restrictions due to improper access controls. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
An IDOR vulnerability has been found in ZKTeco ZEM800 product affecting version 6.60. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The User Activity Log WordPress plugin before 1.6.6 lacks proper authorisation when exporting its activity logs, allowing any authenticated users, such as subscriber to perform such action and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The Advanced File Manager WordPress plugin before 5.1.1 does not adequately authorize its usage on multisite installations, allowing site admin users to list and read arbitrary files and folders on. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In keyinstall, there is a possible information disclosure due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In cta, there is a possible information disclosure due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In duraspeed, there is a possible information disclosure due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In duraspeed, there is a possible information disclosure due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In ims service, there is a possible missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In ims service, there is a possible missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local denial of service with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local denial of service with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local denial of service with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local denial of service with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifi service, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local denial of service with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local denial of service with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local denial of service with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local denial of service with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local information disclosure with no additional execution privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In LTE protocol stack, there is a possible missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A Hyundai model (2017) - CWE-294: Authentication Bypass by Capture-replay. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability that allows for unauthorized access has been discovered in MXsecurity versions prior to v1.0.1. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), 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.
There is a vulnerability in MXsecurity versions prior to 1.0.1 that can be exploited to bypass authentication. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform offering runtime services for applications built on top of it. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), 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.
An issue has been discovered in GitLab affecting all versions starting from 10.0 before 16.1.5, all versions starting from 16.2 before 16.2.5, all versions starting from 16.3 before 16.3.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Permissions vulnerability found in Bludit CMS v.4.0.0 allows local attackers to escalate privileges via the role:admin parameter. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Improper Access Control in GitHub repository usememos/memos prior to 0.13.2. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Digi RealPort Protocol is vulnerable to a replay attack that may allow an attacker to bypass authentication to access connected equipment. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Sensitive information disclosure due to improper token expiration validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Sensitive information disclosure due to missing authorization. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability in the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories SEL-5037 SEL Grid Configurator could allow an attacker to run arbitrary commands on managed. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Use of Hard-coded Credentials vulnerability in Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories SEL-5037 SEL Grid Configurator on Windows allows Authentication Bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The WooCommerce PDF Invoice Builder for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data due to a missing capability check on the GetInvoiceDetail function in 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.
The Waiting: One-click countdowns plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass due to missing capability checks on its AJAX calls in versions up to, and including, 0.6.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), 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 ProfileGrid plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized decryption of private information in versions up to, and including, 5.5.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
The Stripe Payment Plugin for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authentication bypass in versions up to, and including, 3.7.7. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
The CHP Ads Block Detector plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized plugin settings update and reset due to a missing capability check on the chp_abd_action function in versions up to, and. 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 BadgeOS plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the delete_badgeos_log_entries function in 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.
The BadgeOS plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in versions up to, and including, 3.7.1.6. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
The BadgeOS plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in versions up to, and including, 3.7.1.6. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32760