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 (37728)
Ghost through 5.85.1 allows remote attackers to bypass an authentication rate-limit protection mechanism by using many X-Forwarded-For headers with different values. 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.
Shenzhen Guoxin Synthesis image system before 8.3.0 allows unauthorized password resets via the resetPassword API. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Shenzhen Guoxin Synthesis image system before 8.3.0 has a 123456Qw default password. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The AI Infographic Maker plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the qcld_openai_title_generate_desc AJAX action in all versions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The FooEvents for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized arbitrary file uploads due to an improper capability setting on the 'display_ticket_themes_page' function in versions. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
The WooCommerce - Social Login plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Email Verification in all versions up to, and including, 2.6.2 via the use of insufficiently random activation code. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Popup Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data and loss of data due to a missing capability check on all AJAX actions. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.4), 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 Popup Builder - Create highly converting, mobile friendly marketing popups. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), 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.
MyFinances is a web application for managing finances. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Nextcloud Server is a self hosted personal cloud system. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Nextcloud Server is a self hosted personal cloud system. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Nextcloud Deck is a kanban style organization tool aimed at personal planning and project organization for teams integrated with Nextcloud. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Nextcloud Server is a self hosted personal cloud system. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
The Nextcloud Notes app is a distraction free notes taking app for Nextcloud. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Nextcloud Server is a self hosted personal cloud system. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
An issue in the LB-LINK BL-W1210M v2.0 router allows attackers to bypass password complexity requirements and set single digit passwords for authentication. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
TRENDnet TEW-814DAP v1_(FW1.01B01) was discovered to contain a hardcoded password vulnerability in /etc/shadow.sample, which allows attackers to log in as root. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A user authentication vulnerability exists in the Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk® View SE. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A user authentication vulnerability exists in the Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk® View SE v12. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Nextcloud Photos is a photo management app. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Nextcloud server is a self hosted personal cloud system. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), 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.
user_oidc app is an OpenID Connect user backend for Nextcloud. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Hardcoded credentials in TerraMaster TOS firmware through 5.1 allow a remote attacker to successfully login to the mail or webmail server. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Users with "User:edit" and "Self:api" permissions can promote or demote themselves or other users by performing changes to the group's memberships via API call.6.17 through v6.4.1. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), 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 LatePoint Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data and modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'start_or_use_session_for_customer' function. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Mattermost Desktop App versions <=5.7.0 fail to disable certain Electron debug flags which allows for bypassing TCC restrictions on macOS. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WPManageNinja LLC Ninja Tables.0.5. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Attackers can bypass the web login authentication process to gain access to the printer's system information and upload malicious drivers to the printer. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Timetics- AI-powered Appointment Booking with Visual Seat Plan and ultimate Calendar Scheduling plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Admin cookies are written in clear-text in logs. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7). No vendor patch available.
It was observed that all the Toshiba printers contain credentials used for WebDAV access in the readable file. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Toshiba printers provides API without authentication for internal access. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
It appears that some hardcoded keys are used for authentication to internal API. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Toshiba printers contain hardcoded credentials. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
all the Toshiba printers have programs containing a hardcoded key used to encrypt files. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.2), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
All the Toshiba printers contain a shell script using the same hardcoded key to encrypt logs. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.2), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
All the Toshiba printers contain a shell script using the same hardcoded key to encrypt logs. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.2), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The sessions are stored in clear-text logs. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The session cookies, used for authentication, are stored in clear-text logs. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Certain ASUS router models have authentication bypass vulnerability, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to log in the device. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in brewlabs SendPress Newsletters sendpress allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.26.1.20. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Deep Sea Electronics DSE855 Restart Missing Authentication Denial-of-Service Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Deep Sea Electronics DSE855 Factory Reset Missing Authentication Denial-of-Service Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Deep Sea Electronics DSE855 Configuration Backup Missing Authentication Information Disclosure Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue in Annonshop.app DecentralizeJustice/ anonymousLocker commit 2b2b4 allows attackers to send messages erroneously attributed to arbitrary users 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 DIR-605L v2.13B01 was discovered to contain a hardcoded password vulnerability in /etc/passwd, which allows attackers to log in as root. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An attacker can access the maintenance console using hard coded credentials for a hidden wireless network on the device. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The affected product is vulnerable to an attacker modifying the bootloader by using custom arguments to bypass authentication and gain access to the file system and obtain password hashes. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A flaw was discovered in Kibana, allowing view-only users of alerting to use the run_soon API making the alerting rule run continuously, potentially affecting the system availability if the alerting. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell SCG, versions prior to 5.22.00.00, contain a SQL Injection Vulnerability in the SCG UI for an internal audit REST API. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
HPE Cray Parallel Application Launch Service (PALS) is subject to an authentication bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell SCG, versions prior to 5.22.00.00, contain a SQL Injection Vulnerability in the SCG UI for an internal assets REST API. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell SCG, versions prior to 5.24.00.00, contain an Improper Access Control vulnerability in the SCG exposed for an internal update REST API (if enabled by Admin user from UI). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell SCG, versions prior to 5.24.00.00, contain an Improper Access Control vulnerability in the SCG exposed for internal email and collection settings REST APIs (if enabled by Admin user from UI). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell SCG, versions prior to 5.24.00.00, contain an Improper Access Control vulnerability in the SCG exposed for an internal maintenance REST API (if enabled by Admin user from UI). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell SCG, versions prior to 5.24.00.00, contain an Improper Access Control vulnerability in the SCG exposed for an internal update REST API (if enabled by Admin user from UI). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell SCG, versions prior to 5.24.00.00, contain an Improper Access Control vulnerability in the SCG exposed for an internal enable REST API (if enabled by Admin user from UI). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Acrobat Mobile Sign Android versions 24.4.2.33155 and earlier are affected by an Incorrect Authorization vulnerability that could result in a Security feature bypass. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Creative Cloud Desktop versions 6.1.0.587 and earlier are affected by an Uncontrolled Search Path Element vulnerability that could result in a security feature bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
ColdFusion versions 2023u7, 2021u13 and earlier are affected by a Weak Cryptography for Passwords vulnerability that could result in a security feature bypass. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
ColdFusion versions 2023u7, 2021u13 and earlier are affected by an Improper Access Control vulnerability that could result in arbitrary file system read. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Framemaker Publishing Server versions 2020.3, 2022.2 and earlier are affected by an Improper Authentication vulnerability that could result in privilege escalation. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Commerce versions 2.4.7, 2.4.6-p5, 2.4.5-p7, 2.4.4-p8 and earlier are affected by an Improper Access Control vulnerability that could result in a Security feature bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Commerce versions 2.4.7, 2.4.6-p5, 2.4.5-p7, 2.4.4-p8 and earlier are affected by an Incorrect Authorization vulnerability that could result in a security feature bypass. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Commerce versions 2.4.7, 2.4.6-p5, 2.4.5-p7, 2.4.4-p8 and earlier are affected by an Improper Authorization vulnerability that could result in a Security feature bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Commerce versions 2.4.7, 2.4.6-p5, 2.4.5-p7, 2.4.4-p8 and earlier are affected by an Improper Authentication vulnerability that could result in privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.20 and earlier are affected by an Improper Input Validation vulnerability that could result in a security feature bypass. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.20 and earlier are affected by an Improper Input Validation vulnerability that could result in a security feature bypass. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.20 and earlier are affected by an Improper Input Validation vulnerability that could result in a security feature bypass. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Experience Manager versions 6.5.20 and earlier are affected by an Improper Access Control vulnerability that could result in a Security feature bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Download Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data due to an improper authorization check on the 'protectMediaLibrary' function in all versions up to, and. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vault and Vault Enterprise did not properly validate the JSON Web Token (JWT) role-bound audience claim when using the Vault JWT auth method. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
escalation when logged in as a non-administrative user. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
when sending a malformed POST request and particular configuration parameters are set. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
OAuthenticator is software that allows OAuth2 identity providers to be plugged in and used with JupyterHub. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** Incorrect Authorization vulnerability in Apache Submarine Server Core.8.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Strapi is an open-source content management system. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** Improper Authentication vulnerability in Apache Submarine Commons Utils. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Dell OS10 Networking Switches, versions10.5.6.x, 10.5.5.x, 10.5.4.x and 10.5.3.x ,contain an improper authorization vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
The Newsletter - API v1 and v2 addon plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized subscribers management due to PHP type juggling issue on the check_api_key function in all 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 InstaWP Connect - 1-click WP Staging & Migration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary option updates due to a missing authorization checks on the REST API calls in all versions up to,. 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 90.1%.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Mandrill wpMandrill.33. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in himalayasaxena Highcompress Image Compressor high-compress allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.1.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Buy Me a Coffee.7. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The WordPress Header Builder Plugin - Pearl plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized site option deletion due to a missing validation and capability checks on the stm_hb_delete() function. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in FreeIPA in how the initial implementation of MS-SFU by MIT Kerberos was missing a condition for granting the "forwardable" flag on S4U2Self tickets. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell Client Platform contains an incorrect authorization vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Policy bypass in CORS in Google Chrome prior to 126.0.6478.54 allowed a remote attacker to bypass discretionary access control 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.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Javier Carazo Import and export users and customers import-users-from-csv-with-meta.26.5. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Tagembed.8. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 37728