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 (37793)
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a possible missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a possible missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In opm service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In opm service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In messaging service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In messaging service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In messaging service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In messaging service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In messaging service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In messaging service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In DMService, there is a possible missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In DMService, there is a possible missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In telephony service, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Getnet Argentina para Woocommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass due to missing validation on the 'webhook' function in versions up to, and including, 0.0.4. 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.
The LearnDash LMS plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object References in versions up to, and including, 4.6.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The WP-Members Membership plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized plugin settings update due to a missing capability check on the do_field_reorder function in versions up to, and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
The Gallery Metabox for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access of data due to a missing capability check on the refresh_metabox function in versions up to, and including, 1.5. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Gallery Metabox for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the gallery_remove function in versions up to, and including, 1.5. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An unauthenticated user could log into iSTAR Ultra, iSTAR Ultra LT, iSTAR Ultra G2, and iSTAR Edge G2 with administrator rights. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Azure Active Directory Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Windows Remote Desktop Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Active Directory Federation Service Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. 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.
Windows MSHTML Platform Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Windows Remote Desktop Protocol Security Feature Bypass. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Windows MSHTML Platform Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
ASP.NET and Visual Studio Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Windows Cloud Files Mini Filter Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Microsoft Office Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Windows Remote Desktop Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
An insufficient session expiration in Fortinet FortiOS 7.0.0 - 7.0.12 and 7.2.0 - 7.2.4 allows an attacker to execute unauthorized code or commands via reusing the session of a deleted user in the. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in RUGGEDCOM ROX MX5000 (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX MX5000RE (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1400 (All versions < V2.16.0), RUGGEDCOM ROX. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC CN 4100 (All versions < V2.5). Rated critical severity (CVSS 10.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
DroneScout ds230 Remote ID receiver from BlueMark Innovations is affected by an Improper Authentication vulnerability during the firmware update procedure. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform - version 420, 430, allows an unauthorized attacker who had hijacked a user session, to be able to bypass the victim’s old password via brute force,. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SAP NetWeaver Application Server ABAP and ABAP Platform - version KRNL64NUC, 7.22, KRNL64NUC 7.22EXT, KRNL64UC 7.22, KRNL64UC 7.22EXT, KRNL64UC 7.53, KERNEL 7.22, KERNEL, 7.53, KERNEL 7.77, KERNEL. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Runtime Workbench (RWB) of SAP NetWeaver Process Integration - version SAP_XITOOL 7.50, does not perform authentication checks for certain functionalities that require user identity. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Message Display Tool (MDT) of SAP NetWeaver Process Integration - version SAP_XIAF 7.50, does not perform authentication checks for certain functionalities that require user identity. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The SAP BW BICS communication layer in SAP Business Warehouse and SAP BW/4HANA - version SAP_BW 730, SAP_BW 731, SAP_BW 740, SAP_BW 730, SAP_BW 750, DW4CORE 100, DW4CORE 200, DW4CORE 300, may expose. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The "Buy Me a Coffee - Button and Widget Plugin" plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to missing capability checks on the recieve_post, bmc_disconnect,. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
A security defect was discovered in Foundry job-tracker that enabled users to query metadata related to builds on resources they did not have access to. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A security defect was identified in Foundry Comments that enabled a user to discover the contents of an attachment submitted to another comment if they knew the internal UUID of the target. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
Users with only access to launch VDA applications can launch an unauthorized desktop. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in Citrix Workspace app for Linux that, if exploited, may result in a malicious local user being able to gain access to the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Authorization in GitHub repository pimcore/customer-data-framework prior to 3.4.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Improper Access Control in the SICK ICR890-4 could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to affect the availability of the device by changing settings of the device such as the IP address based on. 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 the SICK ICR890-4 could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to gather information about the system and download data via the REST API by accessing unauthenticated. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The EventON WordPress plugin before 2.1.2 does not validate that the event_id parameter in its eventon_ics_download ajax action is a valid Event, allowing unauthenticated visitors to access any Post. 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.
The MStore API WordPress plugin before 3.9.9 does not prevent visitors from creating user accounts with the role of their choice via their wholesale REST API endpoint. 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 EventON WordPress plugin before 2.1.2 lacks authentication and authorization in its eventon_ics_download ajax action, allowing unauthenticated visitors to access private and password protected. 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.
SmartBPM.NET has a vulnerability of using hard-coded authentication key. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SmartSoft SmartBPM.NET has a vulnerability of using hard-coded machine key. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In TravianZ 8.3.4 and 8.3.3, Incorrect Access Control in the installation script allows an attacker to overwrite the server configuration and inject PHP code. 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.
Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus before 14202, ServiceDesk Plus MSP before 14300, and SupportCenter Plus before 14300 have a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Release module that allows. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Sentry is an error tracking and performance monitoring platform. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), 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.
PiiGAB M-Bus contains hard-coded credentials which it uses for authentication. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
VMware SD-WAN (Edge) contains a bypass authentication vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In the module "Detailed Order" (lgdetailedorder) in version up to 1.1.20 from Linea Grafica for PrestaShop, a guest can download personal informations without restriction formatted in json. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
authentik is an open-source Identity Provider. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
An issue in Zimbra Collaboration (ZCS) v.8.8.15 and v.9.0 allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges and obtain sensitive information via the password and 2FA parameters. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in the requestHandlers.js verifyToken functionality of Milesight VPN v2.0.2. 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.
A sql injection vulnerability exists in the requestHandlers.js LoginAuth functionality of Milesight VPN v2.0.2. 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.
Metersphere is an open source continuous testing platform. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Vulnerability of commands from the modem being intercepted in the atcmdserver module. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication in Samsung Pass prior to version 4.2.03.1 allows local attacker to access stored account information when Samsung Wallet is not installed. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper configuration in Samsung Internet prior to version 21.0.0.41 allows attacker to bypass SameSite Cookie. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing authentication vulnerability in Galaxy Themes Service prior to SMR Jul-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to delete arbitrary non-preloaded applications. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An improper authorization vulnerability in Darktrace mobile app (Android) prior to version 6.0.15 allows disabled and low-privilege users to control "antigena" actions(block/unblock traffic) from the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
GLPI is a free asset and IT management software package. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
GLPI is a free asset and IT management software package. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Loxone Miniserver Go Gen.2 through 14.0.3.28 allows an authenticated operating system user to escalate privileges via the Sudo configuration. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The root password of the Loxone Miniserver Go Gen.2 before 14.2 is calculated using hard-coded secrets and the MAC address. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
GLPI is a free asset and IT management software package. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
PAX Technology A930 PayDroid_7.1.1_Virgo_V04.5.02_20220722 allows attackers to compile a malicious shared library and use LD_PRELOAD to bypass authorization checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
AMI SPx contains a vulnerability in the BMC where a valid user may cause a use of hard-coded credentials. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
GLPI is a free asset and IT management software package. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Progress MOVEit Transfer before 2020.1.11 (12.1.11), 2021.0.9 (13.0.9), 2021.1.7 (13.1.7), 2022.0.7 (14.0.7), 2022.1.8 (14.1.8), and 2023.0.4 (15.0.4), a SQL injection vulnerability has been. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
In Progress MOVEit Transfer before 2020.1.11 (12.1.11), 2021.0.9 (13.0.9), 2021.1.7 (13.1.7), 2022.0.7 (14.0.7), 2022.1.8 (14.1.8), and 2023.0.4 (15.0.4), multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities have. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
When Firefox is configured to block storage of all cookies, it was still possible to store data in localstorage by using an iframe with a source of 'about:blank'. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 37793