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)
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools product of Oracle PeopleSoft (component: SQR). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise CS Campus Community product of Oracle PeopleSoft (component: Notification Framework). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition product of Oracle Java SE (component: JSSE). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise CS SA Integration Pack product of Oracle PeopleSoft (component: Students Administration). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools product of Oracle PeopleSoft (component: Business Interlink). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Incentive Compensation product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: User Interface). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Applications Manager product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: View Reports). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Applications Manager product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: View Reports). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Database Enterprise Edition Unified Audit component of Oracle Database Server. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise CS Academic Advisement product of Oracle PeopleSoft (component: Advising Notes). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Mobile Field Service product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: Admin UI). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Applications Manager product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: Diagnostics). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools product of Oracle PeopleSoft (component: Rich Text Editor). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition product of Oracle Java SE (component: Libraries). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Applications Manager product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: Diagnostics). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition product of Oracle Java SE (component: Keytool). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Shipping Execution product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: Workflow Events). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Universal Work Queue product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: Work Provider Site Level Administration). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Trade Management product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: Quotes). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise CS Student Records product of Oracle PeopleSoft (component: Class Search). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Diagnostics). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Oracle GraalVM Enterprise Edition product of Oracle Java SE (component: JSSE). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise CC Common Application Objects product of Oracle PeopleSoft (component: Activity Guide Composer). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise SCM product of Oracle PeopleSoft (component: Supplier Portal). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Deal Management product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: Miscellaneous). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Trade Management product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: Quotes). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Operations Intelligence product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: BIS Operations Intelligence). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Content Manager product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: Content Item Manager). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Payables product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: Invoice Approvals). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle HTTP Server product of Oracle Fusion Middleware (component: Web Listener). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Transportation Management product of Oracle Supply Chain (component: Authentication). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Web Analytics product of Oracle E-Business Suite (component: Admin). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Connectors product of Oracle MySQL (component: Connector/J). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Communications Session Border Controller product of Oracle Communications (component: Routing). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication of sub-frames of a multicast AMSDU frame can lead to information disclosure in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT,. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Improper authentication of EAP WAPI EAPOL frames from unauthenticated user can lead to information disclosure in Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer Electronics. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in trusted application environment can cause unauthorized access to CDSP or ADSP VM memory with either privilege in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Due to a Missing Authorization weakness and Insufficient Granularity of Access Control in a specific device configuration, a vulnerability exists in Juniper Networks Junos OS on SRX Series whereby an. Rated critical severity (CVSS 10.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An Improper Input Validation vulnerability in routing process daemon (RPD) of Juniper Networks Junos OS devices configured with BGP origin validation using Resource Public Key Infrastructure (RPKI),. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The usage of an internal HTTP header created an authentication bypass vulnerability (CWE-287), allowing an attacker to view internal files, change settings, manipulate services and execute arbitrary. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the processing of TCP MD5 authentication in Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved may allow a BGP or LDP session configured with MD5 authentication to succeed, even if the peer does. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authorization issue was addressed with improved state management. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
InHand Networks IR615 Router's Versions 2.3.0.r4724 and 2.3.0.r4870 cloud portal allows for self-registration of the affected product without any requirements to create an account, which may allow an. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
Multiple Plugins from the CatchThemes vendor do not perform capability and CSRF checks in the ctp_switch AJAX action, which could allow any authenticated users, such as Subscriber to change the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The Find My Blocks WordPress plugin before 3.4.0 does not have authorisation checks in its REST API, which could allow unauthenticated users to enumerate private posts' titles. 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 technical user has hardcoded credentials in Wallstreet Suite TRM 7.4.83 (64-bit edition) with higher privilege than the average authenticated user. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A remote authentication bypass vulnerability was discovered in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager version(s): ClearPass Policy Manager 6.10.x prior to 6.10.2 - - ClearPass Policy Manager 6.9.x prior to. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A remote authentication bypass vulnerability was discovered in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager version(s): ClearPass Policy Manager 6.10.x prior to 6.10.2 - - ClearPass Policy Manager 6.9.x prior to. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A remote disclosure of sensitive information vulnerability was discovered in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager version(s): ClearPass Policy Manager 6.10.x prior to 6.10.2 - - ClearPass Policy Manager. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authenticated user using Advantech WebAccess SCADA in versions 9.0.3 and prior can use API functions to disclose project names and paths from other users. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A remote authentication bypass vulnerability was discovered in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager version(s): ClearPass Policy Manager 6.10.x prior to 6.10.2 - - ClearPass Policy Manager 6.9.x prior to. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The learning history page of the Easytest is vulnerable by permission bypass. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The “List View” function of ShinHer StudyOnline System is not under authority control. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The “Study Edit” function of ShinHer StudyOnline System does not perform permission control. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The “Teacher Edit” function of ShinHer StudyOnline System does not perform authority control. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Yellowfin before 9.6.1 it is possible to enumerate and download uploaded images through an Insecure Direct Object Reference vulnerability exploitable by sending a specially crafted HTTP GET. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Yellowfin before 9.6.1 it is possible to enumerate and download users profile pictures through an Insecure Direct Object Reference vulnerability exploitable by sending a specially crafted HTTP GET. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An LDAP injection vulnerability in /account/login in Huntflow Enterprise before 3.10.6 could allow an unauthenticated, remote user to modify the logic of an LDAP query and bypass 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.
Proofpoint Enterprise Protection before 8.12.0-2108090000 allows security control bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Proofpoint Spam Engine before 8.12.0-2106240000 has a Security Control Bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Minio is a Kubernetes native application for cloud storage. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Improper authorization in handler for custom URL scheme vulnerability in Nike App for Android versions prior to 2.177 and Nike App for iOS versions prior to 2.177.1 allows a remote attacker to lead a. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Operation restriction bypass in the management screen of Cybozu Remote Service 3.1.8 to 3.1.9 allows a remote authenticated attacker to alter the data of the management screen. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Intune Management Extension Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.2).
Console Window Host Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Windows AppContainer Firewall Rules Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Active Directory Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Windows Remote Procedure Call Runtime Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Windows AD FS Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
There are multiple Denial-of Service vulnerabilities in SAP NetWeaver Application Server for ABAP and ABAP Platform - versions 740, 750, 751, 752, 753, 754, 755. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A use of hard-coded password vulnerability in the Moxa MXview Network Management software Versions 3.x to 3.2.2 may allow an attacker to gain access through accounts using default passwords. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A path traversal vulnerability in the Moxa MXview Network Management software Versions 3.x to 3.2.2 may allow an attacker to create or overwrite critical files used to execute code, such as programs. Rated critical severity (CVSS 10.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in SINEC NMS (All versions < V1.0 SP2 Update 1). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC Process Historian 2013 and earlier (All versions), SIMATIC Process Historian 2014 (All versions < SP3 Update 6), SIMATIC Process Historian 2019 (All. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A WordPress plugin and several WordPress themes developed by AccessPress Themes are vulnerable to malicious file uploads via the plugin_offline_installer AJAX action due to a missing capability check. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
There is an improper authentication vulnerability in Hero-CT060 before 1.0.0.200. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Projectsend version r1295 is affected by sensitive information disclosure. 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 was discovered in Zammad before 5.0.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Inappropriate implementation in Memory in Google Chrome prior to 94.0.4606.71 allowed a remote attacker to obtain potentially sensitive information from process memory via a crafted HTML page. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Tad Uploader edit book list function is vulnerable to authorization bypass, thus remote attackers can use the function to amend the folder names in the book list without logging in. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
TadTools special page is vulnerable to authorization bypass, thus remote attackers can use the specific parameter to delete arbitrary files in the system without logging in. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Tad Book3 editing book page does not perform identity verification. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Tad Web is vulnerable to authorization bypass, thus remote attackers can exploit the vulnerability to use the original function of viewing bulletin boards and uploading files in the system. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Tad Honor viewing book list function is vulnerable to authorization bypass, thus remote attackers can use special parameters to delete articles arbitrarily without logging in. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Digi RealPort through 4.8.488.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Extensible Service Proxy, a.k.a. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
This affects the package teddy before 0.5.9. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
While working on Apache OpenOffice 4.1.8 a developer discovered that the DEB package did not install using root, but instead used a userid and groupid of 500. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Default SilverStripe GraphQL Server (aka silverstripe/graphql) 3.x through 3.4.1 permission checker not inherited by query subclass. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Maian Cart v3.8 contains a preauthorization remote code execution (RCE) exploit via a broken access control issue in the Elfinder plugin. 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.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32874