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)
Unintentional change of settings during initial registration of system administrators which uses control protocols. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in USR USR-G806 1.0.41. 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 Using an Alternate Path or Channel vulnerability in the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Real-Time Automation Controller (SEL RTAC) Web Interface allows Authentication. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Shenzen Tenda Technology IP Camera CP3 V11.10.00.2211041355 was discovered to contain a hard-coded default password for the RTSP feed. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control for some Intel(R) NUC BIOS firmware may allow a privileged user to potentially enable denial of service via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Improper access control in the Intel(R) Unite(R) android application before Release 17 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control for some Intel(R) NUC BIOS firmware may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Authentication bypass vulnerability in NEXT ENGINE Integration Plugin (for EC-CUBE 2.0 series) all versions allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to alter the information stored in the system. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
JB Inquiry form contains an exposure of private personal information to an unauthorized actor vulnerability, which may allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to obtain information entered from forms. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing authentication for critical function exists in SkyBridge MB-A100/110 firmware Ver. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing authentication for critical function exists in Seiko Solutions SkyBridge series, which may allow a remote attacker to obtain or alter the setting information of the product or execute some. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been discovered in Rocket.Chat, where messages can be hidden regardless of the Message_KeepHistory or Message_ShowDeletedStatus server configuration. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been discovered in Rocket.Chat, where editing messages can change the original timestamp, causing the UI to display messages in an incorrect order. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in Avalanche versions 6.3.x and below that could allow an attacker to gain access by exploiting the SetUser method or can exploit the Race Condition in. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
An improper authentication vulnerability exists in Avalanche Premise versions 6.3.x and below that could allow an attacker to gain access to the server by registering to receive messages from the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Visual Studio Code Spoofing Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.6), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Microsoft Word Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), 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.
Windows Driver Revocation List Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Secure Boot Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
Remote Desktop Client Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform. 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.
DHIS2 Core contains the service layer and Web API for DHIS2, an information system for data capture. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
mage-ai is an open-source data pipeline tool for transforming and integrating data. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), 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.
DHIS2 Core contains the service layer and Web API for DHIS2, an information system for data capture. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DHIS2 Core contains the service layer and Web API for DHIS2, an information system for data capture. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in SIMATIC Cloud Connect 7 CC712 (All versions >= V2.0 < V2.1), SIMATIC Cloud Connect 7 CC712 (All versions < V2.1), SIMATIC Cloud Connect 7 CC716 (All versions >=. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Missing Authorization in GitHub repository answerdev/answer prior to 1.0.9. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
The Hide My WP Ghost - Security Plugin plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to IP Address Spoofing in versions up to, and including, 5.0.18. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vendor Master Hierarchy - versions SAP_APPL 500, SAP_APPL 600, SAP_APPL 602, SAP_APPL 603, SAP_APPL 604, SAP_APPL 605, SAP_APPL 606, SAP_APPL 616, SAP_APPL 617, SAP_APPL 618, S4CORE 100, does not. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In SAP AS NetWeaver JAVA - versions SERVERCORE 7.50, J2EE-FRMW 7.50, CORE-TOOLS 7.50, an unauthenticated attacker can attach to an open interface and make use of an open naming and directory API to. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A device API endpoint was missing access controls on Western Digital My Cloud OS 5 iOS and Anroid Mobile Apps, My Cloud Home iOS and Android Mobile Apps, SanDisk ibi iOS and Android Mobile Apps, My. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
EasyTor Applications - Authorization Bypass - EasyTor Applications may allow authorization bypass via unspecified method. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
OpenSearch is open-source software suite for search, analytics, and observability applications. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
libspdm is a sample implementation that follows the DMTF SPDM specifications. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Improper Authentication vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access.
`effectindex/tripreporter` is a community-powered, universal platform for submitting and analyzing trip reports. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), 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.
An issue has been discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 15.4 before 15.9.7, all versions starting from 15.10 before 15.10.6, all versions starting from 15.11 before 15.11.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed with improved authentication. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed with additional permissions checks. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed by removing origin information. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A race condition was addressed with improved locking. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), this vulnerability is no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed with improved state management. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This was addressed with additional checks by Gatekeeper on files downloaded from an iCloud shared-by-me folder. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Fluid is an open source Kubernetes-native distributed dataset orchestrator and accelerator for data-intensive applications. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
The Web Stories for WordPress plugin supports the WordPress built-in functionality of protecting content with a password. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
Improper Authorization vulnerability in OTRS AG OTRS 8 (Websocket API backend) allows any as Agent authenticated attacker to track user behaviour and to gain live insight into overall system usage. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Django 3.2 before 3.2.19, 4.x before 4.1.9, and 4.2 before 4.2.1, it was possible to bypass validation when using one form field to upload multiple files. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
An issue in the helper tool of Mailbutler GmbH Shimo VPN Client for macOS v5.0.4 allows attackers to bypass authentication via PID re-use. 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.
Insecure permissions in the updateUserInfo function of newbee-mall before commit 1f2c2dfy allows attackers to obtain user account information. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Improper access control in Samsung Core Service prior to version 2.1.00.36 allows attacker to write arbitrary file in sandbox. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in Knox Enrollment Service prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allow attacker install KSP app when device admin is set. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in SemShareFileProvider prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to access protected data. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in ThemeManager prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to write arbitrary files with system privilege. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in GearManagerStub prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows a local attacker to delete applications installed by watchmanager. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerablility in Tips prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to launch arbitrary activity in Tips. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in Telephony framework prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to change a call setting. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in AppLock prior to SMR May-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers without proper permission to execute a privileged operation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of Cisco SPA112 2-Port Phone Adapters could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on an affected device. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
MeterSphere is an open source continuous testing platform, covering functions such as test tracking, interface testing, UI testing, and performance testing. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A use of hard-coded credentials vulnerability [CWE-798] in FortiNAC-F version 7.2.0, FortiNAC version 9.4.2 and below, 9.2 all versions, 9.1 all versions, 8.8 all versions, 8.7 all versions may allow. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue has been discovered in GitLab EE affecting all versions starting from 15.2 before 15.9.6, all versions starting from 15.10 before 15.10.5, all versions starting from 15.11 before 15.11.1. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authenticated attacker granted a Viewer or Auditor role on a BIG-IQ can upload arbitrary files using an undisclosed iControl REST endpoint. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
NGINX Management Suite may allow an authenticated attacker to gain access to configuration objects outside of their assigned environment. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper JPAKE implementation allows offline PIN brute-forcing due to the initialization of random values to a known value, which leads to unauthorized authentication to amzn.lightning services. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Alienware Command Center Application, versions 5.5.43.0 and prior, contain an improper access control vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Inappropriate implementation in Prompts in Google Chrome on Android prior to 113.0.5672.63 allowed a remote attacker to bypass permissions restrictions via a crafted HTML page. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Insufficient validation of untrusted input in Extensions in Google Chrome prior to 113.0.5672.63 allowed an attacker who convinced a user to install a malicious extension to bypass file access checks. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Inappropriate implementation in Prompts in Google Chrome prior to 113.0.5672.63 allowed a remote attacker to bypass permission 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.
Multiple components (such as Onlinetemplate-Verwaltung, Liste aller Teilbereiche, Umfragen anzeigen, and questionnaire previews) in evasys before 8.2 Build 2286 and 9.x before 9.0 Build 2401 allow. 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 in the time-based authentication mechanism of Aigital Aigital Wireless-N Repeater Mini_Router v0.131229 allows attackers to bypass login by connecting to the web app after a successful. 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.
European Chemicals Agency IUCLID 6.x before 6.27.6 allows authentication bypass because a weak hard-coded secret is used for JWT signing. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Zammad 5.3.x (Fixed in 5.4.0) is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Authentication vulnerability in Easy Digital Downloads plugin allows unauth. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
The Blocksy Companion WordPress plugin before 1.8.82 does not ensure that posts to be accessed via a shortcode are already public and can be viewed, allowing any authenticated users, such as. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The Ruby Help Desk WordPress plugin before 1.3.4 does not ensure that the ticket being modified belongs to the user making the request, allowing an attacker to close and/or add files and replies to. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Memory corruption in HAB Memory management due to broad system privileges via physical address. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
D-Link DIR-890L FW1.10 A1 is vulnerable to Authentication bypass. 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.
D-Link DIR-879 v105A1 is vulnerable to Authentication Bypass via phpcgi. 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.
A default password was reported in Lenovo Smart Clock Essential with Alexa Built In that could allow unauthorized device access to an attacker with local network access. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Access Control in GitHub repository thorsten/phpmyfaq prior to 3.1.13. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
A privilege escalation vulnerability was reported in Lenovo Drivers Management Lenovo Driver Manager that could allow a local user to execute code with elevated privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Talend Studio before 7.3.1-R2022-10 and 8.x before 8.0.1-R2022-09, microservices allow unauthenticated access to the Jolokia endpoint of the microservice. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) Spoofing Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Improper Authentication vulnerability in HYPR Keycloak Authenticator Extension allows Authentication Abuse.10.2, before 8.0.3. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Concrete CMS (previously concrete5) versions 8.5.12 and below, and 9.0 through 9.1.3 is vulnerable to possible Auth bypass in the jobs section. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
This vulnerability exists in Milesight 4K/H.265 Series NVR models (MS-Nxxxx-xxG, MS-Nxxxx-xxE, MS-Nxxxx-xxT, MS-Nxxxx-xxH and MS-Nxxxx-xxC), due to improper authorization at the Milesight NVR. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), 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