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 (32800)
`effectindex/tripreporter` is a community-powered, universal platform for submitting and analyzing trip reports. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Improper Authentication vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access.
An issue has been discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 15.4 before 15.9.7, all versions starting from 15.10 before 15.10.6, all versions starting from 15.11 before 15.11.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed with improved authentication. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed with additional permissions checks. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed by removing origin information. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A race condition was addressed with improved locking. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), this vulnerability is no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
The 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.
This 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.
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.
This was addressed with additional checks by Gatekeeper on files downloaded from an iCloud shared-by-me folder. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Fluid is an open source Kubernetes-native distributed dataset orchestrator and accelerator for data-intensive applications. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
The Web Stories for WordPress plugin supports the WordPress built-in functionality of protecting content with a password. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
Improper Authorization vulnerability in OTRS AG OTRS 8 (Websocket API backend) allows any as Agent authenticated attacker to track user behaviour and to gain live insight into overall system usage. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Django 3.2 before 3.2.19, 4.x before 4.1.9, and 4.2 before 4.2.1, it was possible to bypass validation when using one form field to upload multiple files. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
An issue in the helper tool of Mailbutler GmbH Shimo VPN Client for macOS v5.0.4 allows attackers to bypass authentication via PID re-use. 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.
Insecure permissions in the updateUserInfo function of newbee-mall before commit 1f2c2dfy allows attackers to obtain user account information. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Improper access control in Samsung Core Service prior to version 2.1.00.36 allows attacker to write arbitrary file in sandbox. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in Knox Enrollment Service prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allow attacker install KSP app when device admin is set. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in SemShareFileProvider prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to access protected data. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Kernel pointers are printed in the log file prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows a privileged local attacker to bypass ASLR. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in ThemeManager prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to write arbitrary files with system privilege. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in GearManagerStub prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows a local attacker to delete applications installed by watchmanager. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerablility in Tips prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to launch arbitrary activity in Tips. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in Telephony framework prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to change a call setting. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in AppLock prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers without proper permission to execute a privileged operation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco SPA112 2-Port Phone Adapters could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected device. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
MeterSphere is an open source continuous testing platform, covering functions such as test tracking, interface testing, UI testing, and performance testing. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A use of hard-coded credentials vulnerability [CWE-798] in FortiNAC-F version 7.2.0, FortiNAC version 9.4.2 and below, 9.2 all versions, 9.1 all versions, 8.8 all versions, 8.7 all versions may allow. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue has been discovered in GitLab EE affecting all versions starting from 15.2 before 15.9.6, all versions starting from 15.10 before 15.10.5, all versions starting from 15.11 before 15.11.1. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authenticated attacker granted a Viewer or Auditor role on a BIG-IQ can upload arbitrary files using an undisclosed iControl REST endpoint. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
NGINX Management Suite may allow an authenticated attacker to gain access to configuration objects outside of their assigned environment. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper JPAKE implementation allows offline PIN brute-forcing due to the initialization of random values to a known value, which leads to unauthorized authentication to amzn.lightning services. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Alienware Command Center Application, versions 5.5.43.0 and prior, contain an improper access control vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Inappropriate implementation in Prompts in Google Chrome on Android prior to 113.0.5672.63 allowed a remote attacker to bypass permissions restrictions via a crafted HTML page. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Insufficient validation of untrusted input in Extensions in Google Chrome prior to 113.0.5672.63 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to bypass file access checks. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Inappropriate implementation in Prompts in Google Chrome prior to 113.0.5672.63 allowed a remote attacker to bypass permission restrictions via a crafted HTML page. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Multiple components (such as Onlinetemplate-Verwaltung, Liste aller Teilbereiche, Umfragen anzeigen, and questionnaire previews) in evasys before 8.2 Build 2286 and 9.x before 9.0 Build 2401 allow. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue in the time-based authentication mechanism of Aigital Aigital Wireless-N Repeater Mini_Router v0.131229 allows attackers to bypass login by connecting to the web app after a successful. 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.
European Chemicals Agency IUCLID 6.x before 6.27.6 allows authentication bypass because a weak hard-coded secret is used for JWT signing. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Zammad 5.3.x (Fixed in 5.4.0) is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Authentication vulnerability in Easy Digital Downloads plugin allows unauth. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
The Blocksy Companion WordPress plugin before 1.8.82 does not ensure that posts to be accessed via a shortcode are already public and can be viewed, allowing any authenticated users, such as. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The Ruby Help Desk WordPress plugin before 1.3.4 does not ensure that the ticket being modified belongs to the user making the request, allowing an attacker to close and/or add files and replies to. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Memory corruption in HAB Memory management due to broad system privileges via physical address. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
D-Link DIR-890L FW1.10 A1 is vulnerable to Authentication bypass. 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.
D-Link DIR-879 v105A1 is vulnerable to Authentication Bypass via phpcgi. 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 default password was reported in Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa Built In that could allow unauthorized device access to an attacker with local network access. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Access Control in GitHub repository thorsten/phpmyfaq prior to 3.1.13. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
A privilege escalation vulnerability was reported in Lenovo Drivers Management Lenovo Driver Manager that could allow a local user to execute code with elevated privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Talend Studio before 7.3.1-R2022-10 and 8.x before 8.0.1-R2022-09, microservices allow unauthenticated access to the Jolokia endpoint of the microservice. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Spoofing Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Improper Authentication vulnerability in HYPR Keycloak Authenticator Extension allows Authentication Abuse.10.2, before 8.0.3. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Concrete CMS (previously concrete5) versions 8.5.12 and below, and 9.0 through 9.1.3 is vulnerable to possible Auth bypass in the jobs section. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
This vulnerability exists in Milesight 4K/H.265 Series NVR models (MS-Nxxxx-xxG, MS-Nxxxx-xxE, MS-Nxxxx-xxT, MS-Nxxxx-xxH and MS-Nxxxx-xxC), due to improper authorization at the Milesight NVR. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability was found in SourceCodester Service Provider Management System 1.0 and classified as critical. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This vulnerability exists in GajShield Data Security Firewall firmware versions prior to v4.28 (except v4.21) due to insecure default credentials which allows remote attacker to login as superuser by. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Moxa MiiNePort E1 has a vulnerability of insufficient access control. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect access control in the runReport function of MyQ Solution Print Server before 8.2 Patch 32 and Central Server before 8.2 Patch 22 allows users who do not have appropriate access rights to. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
ESPv2 is a service proxy that provides API management capabilities using Google Service Infrastructure. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Static credentials exist in the PostgreSQL data used in ManageEngine Access Manager Plus (AMP) build 4309, ManageEngine Password Manager Pro, and ManageEngine PAM360. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The file download facility doesn't sufficiently sanitize file paths in certain situations. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Silverstripe Framework is the Model-View-Controller framework that powers the Silverstripe content management system. 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.
On affected platforms running Arista EOS, an authorized attacker with permissions to perform gNMI requests could craft a request allowing it to update arbitrary configurations in the switch. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
VMware Fusion contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in the Web Login listener in Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager 2023.1.22 and earlier on Windows allows an authenticated user to bypass administrator-enforced Web Login. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key in GitHub repository alfio-event/alf.io prior to 2.0-M4-2304. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Authentication Bypass in Hub Business integration in Devolutions Workspace Desktop 2023.1.1.3 and earlier on Windows and macOS allows an attacker with access to the user interface to unlock a Hub. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Telindus Apsal 3.14.2022.235 b. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Exposure of Private Personal Information to an Unauthorized Actor in GitHub repository microweber/microweber prior to 1.3.4. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
NVIDIA DGX-1 SBIOS contains a vulnerability in the Uncore PEI module, where authentication of the code executed by SSA is missing, which may lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service,. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
PowerJob V4.3.1 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control that allows for remote code execution. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in MAXTECH MAX-G866ac 0.4.1_TBRO_20160314. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Authorization in GitHub repository modoboa/modoboa prior to 2.1.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Improper Access Control in GitHub repository francoisjacquet/rosariosis prior to 10.9.3. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
In Spring Boot versions 3.0.0 - 3.0.5, 2.7.0 - 2.7.10, and older unsupported versions, an application that is deployed to Cloud Foundry could be susceptible to a security bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authentication bypass in PaperCut NG and PaperCut MF print management software allows unauthenticated remote attackers to access protected functionality by exploiting flawed logic in the SecurityRequestFilter class. The flaw is confirmed actively exploited (CISA KEV) and has publicly available exploit code, with an EPSS score of 44.63% (98th percentile) indicating very high exploitation likelihood. It is commonly chained with administrative scripting features to achieve remote code execution on exposed PaperCut servers.
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication on affected installations of PaperCut NG 22.0.5 (Build 63914). 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.
On version 3.0.0 through 3.1.1, Apache DolphinScheduler's python gateway suffered from improper authentication: an attacker could use a socket bytes attack without authentication. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Mattermost fails to invalidate existing authorization codes when deauthorizing an OAuth2 app, allowing an attacker possessing an authorization code to generate an access token. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Desktop component service allows lateral movement between sessions in M-Files before 23.4.12455.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In sanitize of LayerState.cpp, there is a possible way to take over the screen display and swap the display content due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In canDisplayLocalUi of AppLocalePickerActivity.java, there is a possible way to change system app locales 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 AlarmManagerActivity of AlarmManagerActivity.java, there is a possible way to bypass background activity launch restrictions via a pendingIntent. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
In multiple functions of RunningTasks.java, there is a possible privilege escalation due to a missing privilege check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
PowerJob V4.3.1 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control via the create user/save interface. 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.
Cloud hypervisor is a Virtual Machine Monitor for Cloud workloads. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability could allow attackers to access critical functionality without authentication.
Strapi through 4.5.5 does not verify the access or ID tokens issued during the OAuth flow when the AWS Cognito login provider is used for authentication. 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.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32800