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 (32768)
Broadcom RAID Controller web interface is vulnerable client-side control bypass leads to unauthorized data access for low privileged user. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Keystone is an open source headless CMS for Node.js - built with GraphQL and React. 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.
A missing authorization check allows an arbitrary authenticated user to perform certain operations through the API of CLA-assistant by executing specific additional steps. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authentication bypass vulnerability in Ivanti EPMM 11.10 and older, allows unauthorized users to access restricted functionality or resources of the application without proper authentication. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The use of `module.constructor.createRequire()` can bypass the policy mechanism and require modules outside of the policy.json definition for a given module. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In visitUris of Notification.java, there is a possible way to reveal images across users due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In launchConfirmationActivity of ChooseLockSettingsHelper.java, there is a possible way to enable developer options without the lockscreen PIN due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
PrivateUploader is an open source image hosting server written in Vue and TypeScript. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Improper Authentication vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access.
In onCreate of ManagePermissionsActivity.java, there is a possible way to bypass factory reset protections due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In onCreate of ManagePermissionsActivity.java, there is a possible way to bypass factory reset protections due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In onCreate of ManagePermissionsActivity.java, there is a possible way to bypass factory reset protections due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In onCreate of ManagePermissionsActivity.java, there is a possible way to bypass factory reset protections due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
An issue was discovered in Tigergraph Enterprise 3.7.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Tigergraph Enterprise 3.7.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The Linux DVS server component of Mitel MiVoice Connect through 19.3 SP2 (22.24.1500.0) could allow an unauthenticated attacker with internal network access to execute arbitrary scripts due to. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A non-feature complete authentication mechanism exists in the production application allowing an attacker to bypass all authentication checks if LDAP authentication is selected.An unauthenticated. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authentication bypass exists on CyberPower PowerPanel Enterprise by failing to sanitize meta-characters from the username, allowing an attacker to login into the application with the default user. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Dataprobe iBoot PDU running firmware version 1.43.03312023 or earlier uses hard-coded credentials for all interactions with the internal Postgres database. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Dataprobe iBoot PDU running firmware version 1.43.03312023 or earlier is vulnerable to authentication bypass in the REST API due to the mishandling of special characters when parsing. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Dataprobe iBoot PDU running firmware version 1.43.03312023 or earlier uses hard-coded credentials for all interactions with the internal Postgres database.A malicious agent with the ability to. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Dataprobe iBoot PDU running firmware version 1.43.03312023 or earlier is vulnerable to authentication bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability of configuration defects in the media module of certain products.. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in libac_des3.so on AudioCodes VoIP desk phones through 3.4.4.1000. 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 issue was discovered on AudioCodes VoIP desk phones through 3.4.4.1000. 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.
Mattermost fails to properly validate the requesting user permissions when updating a system admin, allowing a user manager to update a system admin's details such as email, first name and last name. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Mattermost fails to check if the requesting user is a guest before performing different actions to public playbooks, resulting a guest being able to view, join, edit, export and archive public. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Mattermost fails to delete the attachments when deleting a message in a thread allowing a simple user to still be able to access and download the attachment of a deleted message. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
EmpowerID before 7.205.0.1 allows an attacker to bypass an MFA (multi factor authentication) requirement if the first factor (username and password) is known, because the first factor is sufficient. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Authentication vulnerability in Genians Genian NAC V4.0, Genians Genian NAC V5.0, Genians Genian NAC Suite V5.0, Genians Genian ZTNA allows Authentication Abuse.0: from V4.0.0 through. 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 the Intel Unite(R) android application before version 4.2.3504 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in some Intel(R) NUC BIOS firmware may allow a privileged user to potentially enable denial of service via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Improper access control in firmware for some Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi software for Windows before version 22.220 HF (Hot Fix) may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Improper authorization in the Intel(R) NUC Pro Software Suite for Windows before version 2.0.0.9 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilage via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in some Intel(R) ISPC software installers before version 1.19.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privileges via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in some Intel(R) oneAPI Toolkit and component software installers before version 4.3.1.493 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in the Intel(R) Ethernet Controller RDMA driver for linux before version 1.9.30 may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via network. 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 the Intel(R) Unite(R) Hub software installer for Windows before version 4.2.34962 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in some Intel(R) Unison(TM) software before version 10.12 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via network access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in some 3rd Generation Intel(R) Xeon(R) Scalable processors may allow a privileged user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified within Serv-U 15.4 that, if exploited, allows an actor to bypass multi-factor/two-factor authentication. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A previously generated artifact by an administrator could be accessed by an attacker. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
1Panel is an open source Linux server operation and maintenance management 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.
1Panel is an open source Linux server operation and maintenance management panel. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Nextcloud Server provides data storage for Nextcloud, an open source cloud platform. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Nextcloud Server provides data storage for Nextcloud, an open source cloud platform. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Nextcloud Server provides data storage for Nextcloud, an open source cloud platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Nextcloud Server provides data storage for Nextcloud, an open source cloud platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
OpenBSD 7.3 before errata 014 is missing an argument-count bounds check in console terminal emulation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
Cacti before 1.2.6 allows IDOR (Insecure Direct Object Reference) for accessing any graph via a modified local_graph_id parameter to graph_xport.php. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Nextcloud Server provides data storage for Nextcloud, an open source cloud platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
The EmbedPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized loss of data due to a missing capability check on the 'admin_post_remove' and 'remove_private_data' functions in versions up to, and. 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.
Improper sanitization of incoming intent in Galaxy Store prior to version 4.5.56.6?allows local attackers to access privileged content providers as Galaxy Store permission. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Code-Projects Gym Management System V1.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the login form, leading to unauthorized access and potential data manipulation. 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.
KramerAV VIA Connect (2) and VIA Go (2) devices with a version prior to 4.0.1.1326 exhibit a vulnerability that enables remote manipulation of the device. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Sentry is an error tracking and performance monitoring platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
Use of Hard-coded Cryptographic Key vulnerability in Sifir Bes Education and Informatics Kunduz - Homework Helper App allows Authentication Abuse, Authentication Bypass.2.3. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An access control vulnerability was found, due to the restrictions that are applied on actual assertions not being enforced in their debug functionality. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Commerce versions 2.4.6-p1 (and earlier), 2.4.5-p3 (and earlier) and 2.4.4-p4 (and earlier) are affected by an Incorrect Authorization vulnerability that could lead to a Security feature. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In PHOENIX CONTACTs WP 6xxx series web panels in versions prior to 4.0.10 an unauthenticated remote attacker can access upload-functions of the HTTP API. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In PHOENIX CONTACTs WP 6xxx series web panels in versions prior to 4.0.10 a remote unauthenticated attacker can obtain the r/w community string of the SNMPv2 daemon. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In PHOENIX CONTACTs WP 6xxx series web panels in versions prior to 4.0.10 an authenticated, remote attacker with admin privileges is able to read hardcoded cryptographic keys allowing the attacker to. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The FULL - Customer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Arbitrary File Upload via the /install-plugin REST route in versions up to, and including, 2.2.3 due to improper authorization. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The FULL - Customer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Information Disclosure via the /health REST route in versions up to, and including, 2.2.3 due to improper authorization. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Windows Mobile Device Management Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. 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.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Windows Smart Card Resource Management Server Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Microsoft SharePoint Server Information Disclosure Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Windows Group Policy Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Windows HTML Platforms Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability has been identified in RUGGEDCOM CROSSBOW (All versions < V5.4). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Cryptographic issue in HLOS due to improper authentication while performing key velocity checks using more than one key. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This vulnerability exists in ESDS Emagic Data Center Management Suit due to non-expiry of session cookie. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SAP Supplier Relationship Management -versions 600, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 616, 617, allows an unauthorized attacker to discover information relating to SRM within Vendor Master Data for Business. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP and ABAP Platform - versions SAP_BASIS 700, SAP_BASIS 701, SAP_BASIS 702, SAP_BASIS 731, SAP_BASIS 740, SAP_BASIS 750, SAP_BASIS 752, SAP_BASIS 753, SAP_BASIS. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The ACL (Access Control List) of SAP Message Server - versions KERNEL 7.22, KERNEL 7.53, KERNEL 7.54, KERNEL 7.77, RNL64UC 7.22, RNL64UC 7.22EXT, RNL64UC 7.53, KRNL64NUC 7.22, KRNL64NUC 7.22EXT, can. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SAP PowerDesigner - version 16.7, has improper access control which might allow an unauthenticated attacker to run arbitrary queries against the back-end database via Proxy. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Due to missing authentication check in SAP Host Agent - version 7.22, an unauthenticated attacker can set an undocumented parameter to a particular compatibility value and in turn call read. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vyper is a Pythonic Smart Contract Language for the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Sentry is an error tracking and performance monitoring platform. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
The event analysis component in Zoho ManageEngine ADAudit Plus 7.1.1 allows an attacker to bypass audit detection by creating or renaming user accounts with a "$" symbol suffix. 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.
A flaw was found in the Linux kernel's TUN/TAP functionality. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Access of Resource Using Incompatible Type (Type Confusion) vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code by exploiting type confusion in the application.
In imgsys, there is a possible system crash due to a mssing ptr check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Contacts 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 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 Contacts 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 Contacts 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 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 Contacts 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 Contacts 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.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32768