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 (32874)
NETGEAR XR1000 devices before 1.0.0.58 are affected by authentication bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by authentication bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by authentication bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by authentication bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by authentication bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by authentication bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by authentication bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by authentication bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by authentication bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by authentication bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by authentication bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Certain NETGEAR devices are affected by authentication bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
NETGEAR R6700v2 devices before 1.2.0.88 are affected by authentication bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
NETGEAR D7000 devices before 1.0.1.82 are affected by authentication bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
NETGEAR D7000 devices before 1.0.1.82 are affected by authentication bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
NETGEAR D7000 devices before 1.0.1.68 are affected by authentication bypass. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
MediaTek microchips, as used in NETGEAR devices through 2021-11-11 and other devices, mishandle IEEE 1905 protocols. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
NVIDIA GeForce Experience contains a vulnerability in user authorization, where GameStream does not correctly apply individual user access controls for users on the same device, which, with user. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus before 12003 allows authentication bypass in certain admin configurations. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An Improper Access Control Vulnerability in the SMA100 series leads to multiple restricted management APIs being accessible without a user login, potentially exposing configuration meta-data. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Inappropriate implementation in referrer in Google Chrome prior to 96.0.4664.45 allowed a remote attacker to bypass navigation 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.
Insufficient policy enforcement in iframe sandbox in Google Chrome prior to 96.0.4664.45 allowed a remote attacker to bypass navigation restrictions via a crafted HTML page. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Insufficient policy enforcement in background fetch in Google Chrome prior to 96.0.4664.45 allowed a remote attacker to bypass same origin policy via a crafted HTML page. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Inappropriate implementation in input in Google Chrome prior to 96.0.4664.45 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to bypass navigation restrictions via a crafted. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Inappropriate implementation in service workers in Google Chrome prior to 96.0.4664.45 allowed a remote attacker who had compromised the renderer process to bypass site isolation via a crafted HTML. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in the process_msg() function of the home_security binary of Anker Eufy Homebase 2 2.1.6.9h. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in the CMD_DEVICE_GET_RSA_KEY_REQUEST functionality of the home_security binary of Anker Eufy Homebase 2 2.1.6.9h. 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.
An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in the CMA run_server_6877 functionality of Garrett Metal Detectors iC Module CMA Version 5.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Mesa Labs AmegaView Versions 3.0 uses default cookies that could be set to bypass authentication to the web application, which may allow an attacker to gain access. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Mesa Labs AmegaView Versions 3.0 and prior’s passcode is generated by an easily reversible algorithm, which may allow an attacker to gain access to the device. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell PowerScale OneFS, versions 8.2.2-9.3.0.x, contain an authentication bypass by primary weakness in one of the authentication factors. 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.
The Logo Carousel WordPress plugin before 3.4.2 allows users with a role as low as Contributor to duplicate and view arbitrary private posts made by other users via the Carousel Duplication feature. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
In Mbed TLS before 3.1.0, psa_aead_generate_nonce allows policy bypass or oracle-based decryption when the output buffer is at memory locations accessible to an untrusted application. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
In Mbed TLS before 2.28.0 and 3.x before 3.1.0, psa_cipher_generate_iv and psa_cipher_encrypt allow policy bypass or oracle-based decryption when the output buffer is at memory locations accessible. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
HumHub is an open-source social network kit written in PHP. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Improper Access Control in Thales Sentinel Protection Installer could allow a local user to escalate privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
VMware Workspace ONE Access 21.08, 20.10.0.1, and 20.10 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Zoho ManageEngine PAM360 before build 5303 allows attackers to modify a few aspects of application state because of a filter bypass in which authentication is not required. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Zoho ManageEngine Access Manager Plus before 4203 allows anyone to view a few data elements (e.g., access control details) and modify a few aspects of the application state. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus MSP before 10.5 Build 10534 is vulnerable to unauthenticated remote code execution due to a filter bypass in which authentication is not required. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This affects the package latte/latte before 2.10.6. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
TCMAN GIM does not perform an authorization check when trying to access determined resources. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
TCMAN GIM is vulnerable to a lack of authorization in all available webservice methods listed in /PC/WebService.asmx. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Audio Aurisys HAL, there is a possible permission bypass due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability in longhorn of SUSE Longhorn allows attackers to connect to a longhorn-engine replica instance granting it the ability to read and write. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability in SUSE Longhorn allows any workload in the cluster to execute any binary present in the image on the host without authentication. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in MediaWiki before 1.35.5, 1.36.x before 1.36.3, and 1.37.x before 1.37.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
GGLocker iOS application, contains an insecure data storage of the password hash value which results in an authentication bypass. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in HTCondor 9.0.x before 9.0.4 and 9.1.x before 9.1.2. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Suricata before 6.0.4. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
eLabFTW is an electronic lab notebook manager for research teams. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
eLabFTW is an electronic lab notebook manager for research teams. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
bookstack is vulnerable to Improper Access Control. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
A missing authorization vulnerability in the web management interface of FatPipe WARP, IPVPN, and MPVPN software prior to versions 10.1.2r60p91 and 10.2.2r42 allows an authenticated, remote attacker. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A missing authorization vulnerability in the web management interface of FatPipe WARP, IPVPN, and MPVPN software prior to versions 10.1.2r60p91 and 10.2.2r42 allows a remote attacker to access at. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A missing authorization vulnerability in the web management interface of FatPipe WARP, IPVPN, and MPVPN software prior to versions 10.1.2r60p91 and 10.2.2r42 allows a remote, unauthenticated attacker. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
FatPipe WARP, IPVPN, and MPVPN software prior to versions 10.1.2r60p91 and 10.2.2r42 allows a remote, authenticated attacker with read-only privileges to grant themselves administrative privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The impacted products, when configured to use SSO, are affected by an improper authentication vulnerability. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In TBD of TBD, there is a possible way to access PIN protected settings bypassing PIN confirmation 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 TBD of fvp.c, there is a possible way to glitch CPU behavior 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.
Unauthenticated Arbitrary Options Update vulnerability leading to full website compromise discovered in Image Hover Effects Ultimate (versions <= 9.6.1) WordPress plugin. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In getLine1NumberForDisplay of PhoneInterfaceManager.java, there is apossible way to determine whether an app is installed, without querypermissions due to a missing permission check. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In hasNamedWallpaper of WallpaperManagerService.java, there is a possible way to determine whether an app is installed, without query permissions, due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In AdapterService and GattService definition of AndroidManifest.xml, there is a possible way to disable bluetooth connection due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In setPackageStoppedState of PackageManagerService.java, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In getSigningKeySet of PackageManagerService.java, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In getConfiguredNetworks of WifiServiceImpl.java, there is a possible way to determine whether an app is installed, without query permissions, due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In the broadcast definition in AndroidManifest.xml, there is a possible way to set the A2DP bluetooth device connection state 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 requestRouteToHostAddress of ConnectivityService.java, there is a possible way to determine whether an app is installed, without query permissions, due to a missing permission check. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In hasGrantedPolicy of DevicePolicyManagerService.java, there is a possible information disclosure about the device owner, profile owner, or device admin due to a logic error in the code. 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 onReceive of AlertReceiver.java, there is a possible way to dismiss system dialog 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 getOrganizationNameForUser of DevicePolicyManagerService.java, there is a possible organization name disclosure due to a missing permission check. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In getSerialForPackage of DeviceIdentifiersPolicyService.java, there is a possible way to determine whether an app is installed, without query permissions, due to side channel information disclosure. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In AndroidManifest.xml of Settings, there is a possible pairing of a Bluetooth device without user's consent due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), 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 NfcImportVCardActivity.java, there is a possible way to add a contact without user's consent due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In createOrUpdate of Permission.java, there is a possible way to gain internal permissions due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In enforceCrossUserOrProfilePermission of PackageManagerService.java, there is a possible bypass of INTERACT_ACROSS_PROFILES permission due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In enqueueNotification of NetworkPolicyManagerService.java, there is a possible way to retrieve a trackable identifier due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In stopVpnProfile of Vpn.java, there is a possible VPN profile reset due to a permissions bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Online Pre-owned/Used Car Showroom Management System 1.0 contains a SQL injection authentication bypass vulnerability. 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.
Online Magazine Management System 1.0 contains a SQL injection authentication bypass vulnerability. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Microsoft SharePoint Server Spoofing Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Seafile is an open source cloud storage system. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Opencast is an Open Source Lecture Capture & Video Management for Education. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
The RegistrationMagic WordPress plugin made it possible for unauthenticated users to log in as any site user, including administrators, if they knew a valid username on the site due to missing. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. Public exploit code available.
SAP GRC Access Control - versions V1100_700, V1100_731, V1200_750, does not perform necessary authorization checks for an authenticated user, which could lead to escalation of privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Listary through 6. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
glFusion CMS 1.7.9 is affected by an access control vulnerability via /public_html/users.php. 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.
glFusion CMS v1.7.9 is affected by an arbitrary user registration vulnerability in /public_html/users.php. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in ModelSim Simulation (All versions), Questa Simulation (All versions). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Insufficiently Protected Credentials vulnerability could allow attackers to obtain user credentials due to weak protection mechanisms.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32874