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 (37769)
Concrete CMS before 8.5.13 and 9.x before 9.2.2 allows unauthorized access because directories can be created with insecure permissions. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Rundeck is an open source automation service with a web console, command line tools and a WebAPI. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Rundeck is an open source automation service with a web console, command line tools and a WebAPI. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
LFI in Ray's /static/ directory allows attackers to read any file on the server without 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.
An attacker is able to arbitrarily create an account in MLflow bypassing any authentication requirment. 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.
SuperAGI v0.0.13 was discovered to use a hardcoded key for encryption operations. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Archery v1.10.0 uses a non-random or static IV for Cipher Block Chaining (CBC) mode in AES encryption. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability exists in the h2o-3 REST API, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to read arbitrary files on the server with the permissions of the user running the. 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.
Dell Repository Manager, 3.4.3 and prior, contains an Improper Access Control vulnerability in its installation module. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell Repository Manager, 3.4.3 and prior, contains an Improper Access Control vulnerability in its installation module. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell OS Recovery Tool, versions 2.2.4013, 2.3.7012.0, and 2.3.7515.0 contain an Improper Access Control Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing authentication for critical function vulnerability in First Corporation's DVRs allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to rewrite or obtain the configuration information of the affected. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
First Corporation's DVRs use a hard-coded password, which may allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to rewrite or obtain the configuration information of the affected device. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell ELab-Navigator, version 3.1.9 contains a hard-coded credential vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Elementor Addon Elements plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Sensitive Information Exposure in versions up to, and including, 1.12.7 via the ajax_eae_post_data function. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
An issue in Kloudq Technologies Limited Tor Equip 1.0, Tor Loco Mini 1.0 through 3.1 allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request to the MQTT component. 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.
The Gotham video-application-server service contained a race condition which would cause it to not apply certain acls new videos if the source system had not yet initialized. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
A security vulnerability has been identified in EPMM Versions 11.10, 11.9 and 11.8 and older allowing an unauthenticated threat actor to impersonate any existing user during the device enrollment. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logged in user can modify specific files that may lead to unauthorized changes in system-wide configuration settings. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Access Control in SMI handler vulnerability in Phoenix SecureCore™ Technology™ 4 allows SPI flash modification.3.0.0 before 4.3.0.203 * from 4.3.1.0 before 4.3.1.163 * from 4.4.0.0 before. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authenticated vulnerability has been identified allowing an attacker to effectively establish highly privileged persistent arbitrary code execution across boot cycles. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
MikroTik RouterOS v7.1 to 7.11 was discovered to contain incorrect access control mechanisms in place for the Rest API. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
ASP.NET Core Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
VMware Cloud Director Appliance contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in case VMware Cloud Director Appliance was upgraded to 10.5 from an older version. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A use of hard-coded credentials vulnerability in Fortinet FortiAnalyzer and FortiManager 7.0.0 - 7.0.8, 7.2.0 - 7.2.3 and 7.4.0 allows an attacker to access Fortinet private testing data via the use. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control for some Intel Unison software may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via network access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control for some Intel Unison software may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via network access. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in the Intel Smart Campus android application before version 9.4 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in the Intel Support android application all verions may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authorization in some Intel Battery Life Diagnostic Tool installation software before version 2.2.1 may allow a privilaged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication in some Intel(R) NUC Kits NUC7PJYH and NUC7CJYH Realtek* SD Card Reader Driver installation software before version 10.0.19041.29098 may allow an authenticated user to. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Improper access control in user mode driver for some Intel(R) Connectivity Performance Suite before version 2.1123.214.2 may allow unauthenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure. 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 some Intel(R) OFU software before version 14.1.31 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Improper access control in some Intel(R) OFU software before version 14.1.31 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Improper access control in some Intel(R) Aptio* V UEFI Firmware Integrator Tools may allow an authenticated to potentially enable escalation of privileges via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authorization in some Intel(R) QAT drivers for Windows - HW Version 2.0 before version 2.0.4 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication in some Intel(R) NUC Kit NUC11PH USB firmware installation software before version 1.1 for Windows may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in firmware for some Intel(R) Optane(TM) SSD products may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via physical access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication for some Intel Unison software may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via network access. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control for some Intel Unison software may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via network access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control for some Intel Unison software may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via network access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An improper access control vulnerability [CWE-284] in FortiEDRCollectorWindows version 5.2.0.4549 and below, 5.0.3.1007 and below, 4.0 all may allow a local attacker to prevent the collector service. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An improper authorization vulnerability [CWE-285] in FortiMail webmail version 7.2.0 through 7.2.2 and before 7.0.5 allows an authenticated attacker to see and modify the title of address book. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
ASP.NET Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Microsoft Office Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Windows Kernel Information Disclosure Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Microsoft Excel Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Microsoft On-Prem Data Gateway Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
A use of hard-coded credentials vulnerability in Fortinet FortiClient Windows 7.0.0 - 7.0.9 and 7.2.0 - 7.2.1 allows an attacker to bypass system protections via the use of static credentials. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An improper validation of integrity check value vulnerability [CWE-354] in FortiOS 7.2.0 through 7.2.3, 7.0.0 through 7.0.12, 6.4 all versions, 6.2 all versions, 6.0 all versions and VMs may allow a. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An improper access control vulnerability [CWE-284] in FortiADC automation feature 7.1.0 through 7.1.2, 7.0 all versions, 6.2 all versions, 6.1 all versions may allow an authenticated low-privileged. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in COMOS (All versions). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC PCS neo (All versions < V4.1). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability could allow attackers to access critical functionality without authentication.
A vulnerability has been identified in COMOS (All versions). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect access control in EMSigner v2.8.7's AdHoc User creation form permits unauthenticated remote attackers to arbitrarily modify usernames and elevate privileges by supplying the email address of any registered user, requiring no credentials or user interaction. The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5 (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N) reflects a trivial exploitation path against any internet-exposed instance. Publicly available exploit code exists at secpro.llc, though the EPSS score of 0.46% (37th percentile) indicates limited observed widespread exploitation at time of analysis, and the vulnerability is not currently listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR) in EMSigner v2.8.7 allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to application content and view sensitive data of other users via manipulation of the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue in AsyncSSH before 2.14.1 allows attackers to control the remote end of an SSH client session via packet injection/removal and shell emulation, aka a "Rogue Session Attack.". Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
SAP Business One installation - version 10.0, does not perform proper authentication and authorization checks for SMB shared folder. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
We failed to apply CVE-2023-40611 in 2.7.1 and this vulnerability was marked as fixed then. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
An unauthorized user could access debug features in Quantum HD Unity products that were accidentally exposed. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Natus NeuroWorks and SleepWorks before 8.4 GMA3 utilize a default password of xltek for the Microsoft SQL Server service sa account, allowing a threat actor to perform remote code execution, data. 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.
When duplicating a BigBlueButton activity, the original meeting ID was also duplicated instead of using a new ID for the new activity. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
An issue discovered in Pfsense CE version 2.6.0 allows attackers to change the password of any user without verification. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue has been discovered in GitLab EE affecting all versions starting from 15.3 prior to 16.2.8, 16.3 prior to 16.3.5, and 16.4 prior to 16.4.1. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Insufficient web service capability checks made it possible to move categories a user had permission to manage, to a parent category they did not have the capability to manage. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Students in "Only see own membership" groups could see other students in the group, which should be hidden. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
blockreassurance adds an information block aimed at offering helpful information to reassure customers that their store is trustworthy. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Authentication vulnerability in Apereo CAS in jakarta.servlet.http.HttpServletRequest.getRemoteAddr method allows Multi-Factor Authentication bypass.0.0-RC7. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Versions of the package chromedriver before 119.0.1 are vulnerable to Command Injection when setting the chromedriver.path to an arbitrary system binary. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. Public exploit code available.
PrestaShop blockreassurance adds an information block aimed at offering helpful information to reassure customers that the store is trustworthy. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
The Bastion provides authentication, authorization, traceability and auditability for SSH accesses. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability could allow attackers to access critical functionality without authentication.
Permission control vulnerability in the call module. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Unauthorized startup vulnerability of background apps. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability of input parameters being not strictly verified in the input. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability of identity verification being bypassed in the face unlock module. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In the module "Order Duplicator " Clone and Delete Existing Order" (orderduplicate) in version <= 1.1.7 from Silbersaiten for PrestaShop, a guest can download personal information without. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform offering runtime services for applications built on top of it. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
An issue in BoltWire v.6.03 allows a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information via a crafted payload to the view and change admin password function. 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.
The ImageMapper plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized loss of data due to a missing capability check on the 'imgmap_delete_area_ajax' function in versions up to, and including, 1.2.6. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
Missing Authentication in Apache Software Foundation Apache OFBiz when using the Solr plugin.12.09. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability could allow attackers to access critical functionality without authentication.
Missing error handling in the HTTP server component of Tenda RX9 Pro Firmware V22.03.02.20 allows authenticated attackers to arbitrarily lock the device. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Improper Authentication vulnerabiity in Samsung Pass prior to version 4.3.00.17 allows physical attackers to bypass authentication. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authorization verification vulnerability in Samsung Email prior to version 6.1.90.4 allows attackers to read sandbox data of email. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in Samsung Push Service prior to 3.4.10 allows local attackers to get register ID to identify the device. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authorization in PushClientProvider of Samsung Push Service prior to version 3.4.10 allows attacker to access unique id. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in Samsung Account prior to version 14.5.01.1 allows attackers to access sensitive information via implicit intent. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in SmsController prior to SMR Nov-2023 Release1 allows local attackers to bypass restrictions on starting activities from the background. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Cryptographic issue in HLOS during key management. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Memory Corruption in Core due to secure memory access by user while loading modem image. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Access Control in GitHub repository microweber/microweber prior to 2.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 37769