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 (37794)
Azure Network Watcher Agent Security Feature Bypass Vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in Mendix Workflow Commons (All versions < V2.4.0), Mendix Workflow Commons V2.1 (All versions < V2.1.4), Mendix Workflow Commons V2.3 (All versions < V2.3.2). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability has been identified in SCALANCE X204RNA (HSR) (All versions < V3.2.7), SCALANCE X204RNA (PRP) (All versions < V3.2.7), SCALANCE X204RNA EEC (HSR) (All versions < V3.2.7), SCALANCE. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability has been identified in APOGEE PXC Compact (BACnet) (All versions < V3.5.5), APOGEE PXC Compact (P2 Ethernet) (All versions < V2.8.20), APOGEE PXC Modular (BACnet) (All versions <. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability has been identified in Mendix Email Connector (All versions < V2.0.0). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Denial of service in Modem module due to improper authorization while error handling in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile,. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In sOpAllowSystemRestrictionBypass of AppOpsManager.java, there is a possible leak of location information due to a missing permission check. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Samsung TV (2021 and 2022 model) smart remote control allows attackers to enable microphone access via Bluetooth spoofing when a user is activating remote control by pressing a button. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Multiple Wiesemann&Theis products of the ComServer Series are prone to an authentication bypass through IP spoofing. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Passport-wsfed-saml2 is a ws-federation protocol and SAML2 tokens authentication provider for Passport. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Tuleap is an Open Source Suite to improve management of software developments and collaboration. 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.
Tuleap is an Open Source Suite to improve management of software developments and collaboration. 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.
SAP Disclosure Management - version 10.1, allows an authenticated attacker to exploit certain misconfigured application endpoints to read sensitive data. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Due to a missing authentication check, SAP Business Objects Business Intelligence Platform (Web Intelligence) - versions 420, 430, allows an authenticated non-administrator attacker to modify the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SAP Solution Manager (Diagnostic Agent) - version 7.20, allows an authenticated attacker on Windows system to access a file containing sensitive data which can be used to access a configuration file. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An insertion of sensitive information into log file vulnerability exists in PcVue versions 15 through 15.2.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The All-In-One Security (AIOS) WordPress plugin before 5.0.8 is susceptible to IP Spoofing attacks, which can lead to bypassed security features (like IP blocks, rate limiting, brute force. 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.
Boa Web Server versions 0.94.13 through 0.94.14 fail to validate the correct security constraint on the HEAD HTTP method allowing everyone to bypass the Basic Authorization mechanism. 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 potential security vulnerability has been identified in Hewlett Packard Enterprise OfficeConnect 1820, 1850, and 1920S Network switches. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability exists which could allow an unauthorized user to learn aspects of the communication protocol used to pair system components while the pump is being paired with other system. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.8). No vendor patch available.
SENS v1.0 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in morontt zend-blog-number-2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), 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.
Improper Authentication vulnerability in the encrypted volumes and auto mount features of Western Digital My Cloud devices allows insecure direct access to the drive information in the case of a. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the web server of Secomea GateManager allows a local user to impersonate as the previous user under some failed login conditions. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Canon Medical Informatics Vitrea Vision 7.7.76.1 does not adequately enforce access controls. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization in GitHub repository lirantal/daloradius prior to master branch. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
In JetBrains JetBrains Gateway before 2022.3 a client could connect without a valid token if the host consented. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
OpenHarmony-v3.1.4 and prior versions had an vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
An issue in the component tpi_systool_handle(0) (/goform/SysToolRestoreSet) of Tenda W6-S v1.0.0.4(510) allows unauthenticated attackers to arbitrarily reboot the device. 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 issue in the component tpi_systool_handle(0) (/goform/SysToolReboot) of Tenda W6-S v1.0.0.4(510) allows unauthenticated attackers to arbitrarily reboot the device. 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.
OpenHarmony-v3.1.2 and prior versions had a vulnerability that telephony in communication subsystem sends public events with personal data, but the permission is not set. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An access control issue in Tenda A18 v15.13.07.09 allows unauthenticated attackers to access the Telnet service. 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.
Improper access control vulnerability in Calendar prior to versions 11.6.08.0 in Android Q(10), 12.2.11.3000 in Android R(11), 12.3.07.2000 in Android S(12), and 12.4.02.0 in Android T(13) allows. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in Samsung Pass prior to version 4.0.06.7 allow physical attackers to access data of Samsung Pass on a certain state of an unlocked device using pop-up view. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.2), this vulnerability is no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in SecTelephonyProvider prior to SMR Dec-2022 Release 1 allows attackers to access message information. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Implicit intent hijacking vulnerability in Telecom application prior to SMR Dec-2022 Release 1 allows attacker to access sensitive information via implicit intent. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authorization in Exynos baseband prior to SMR DEC-2022 Release 1 allows remote attacker to get sensitive information including IMEI via emergency call. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication in Exynos baseband prior to SMR DEC-2022 Release 1 allows remote attacker to disable the network traffic encryption between UE and gNodeB. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in Nice Catch prior to SMR Dec-2022 Release 1 allows physical attackers to access contents of all toast generated in the application installed in Secure Folder. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication vulnerability in Samsung WindowManagerService prior to SMR Dec-2022 Release 1 allows attacker to send the input event using S Pen gesture. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in IIccPhoneBook prior to SMR Dec-2022 Release 1 allows attackers to access some information of usim. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerabilities in Contacts prior to SMR Dec-2022 Release 1 allows to access sensitive information via implicit intent. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in ContactListUtils in Phone prior to SMR Dec-2022 Release 1 allows to access contact group information via implicit intent. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control vulnerability in ContactListStartActivityHelper in Phone prior to SMR Dec-2022 Release 1 allows to access sensitive information via implicit intent. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerabilities in the AirWave Management Platform web-based management interface exist which expose some URLs to a lack of proper access controls. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerabilities in the AirWave Management Platform web-based management interface exist which expose some URLs to a lack of proper access controls. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerabilities in the AirWave Management Platform web-based management interface exist which expose some URLs to a lack of proper access controls. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in CTF-hacker pwn. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Hasura GraphQL Engine before 2.15.2 mishandles row-level authorization in the Update Many API for Postgres backends. 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.
Authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel vulnerability in bingo!CMS version1.7.4.1 and earlier allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to upload an arbitrary file. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authentication bypass vulnerability in multiple Buffalo network devices allows a network-adjacent attacker to bypass authentication and access the device. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Improper Authentication vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access.
Use of hard-coded credentials vulnerability in multiple Buffalo network devices allows a network-adjacent attacker to alter?configuration settings of the device. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Improper authentication vulnerability in UDR-JA1604/UDR-JA1608/UDR-JA1616 firmware versions 71x10.1.107112.43A and earlier allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute an arbitrary OS command on. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authentication bypass by assumed-immutable data vulnerability [CWE-302] in the FortiOS SSH login component 7.2.0, 7.0.0 through 7.0.7, 6.4.0 through 6.4.9, 6.2 all versions, 6.0 all versions and. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
In windows manager service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In UscAIEngine service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power management service, there is a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in Key-Value RBAC in StackStorm version 3.7.0 didn't check the permissions in Jinja filters, allowing attackers to access K/V pairs of other users, potentially leading to the. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
When aborting a SFTP connection, MobaXterm before v22.1 sends a hardcoded password to the server. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Use of Hard-coded Credentials vulnerability could allow attackers to gain access using credentials embedded in source code.
An access control issue in MobaXterm before v22.1 allows attackers to make connections to the server via the SSH or SFTP protocols without authentication. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Improper authentication in Veeam Backup for Google Cloud v1.0 and v3.0 allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
MegaRAC Default Credentials Vulnerability. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
MegaRAC Default Credentials Vulnerability. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
XML Injection with Endpoint Manager 2022. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The default configuration of Lazy Mouse does not require a password, allowing remote unauthenticated users to execute arbitrary code with no prior authorization or authentication. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
PC Keyboard allows remote unauthenticated users to send instructions to the server to execute arbitrary code without any previous authorization or authentication. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Franklin Fueling System FFS Colibri 1.9.22.8925 is affected by: File system overwrite. 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.
Telepad allows remote unauthenticated users to send instructions to the server to execute arbitrary code without any previous authorization or authentication. 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 found in Facepay 1.0 and classified as critical. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication vulnerability in WordPress versions prior to 6.0.3 allows a remote unauthenticated attacker to obtain the email address of the user who posted a blog using the WordPress Post. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Missing authorization vulnerability exists in Kyocera Document Solutions MFPs and printers, which may allow a network-adjacent attacker to alter the product settings without authentication by sending. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Session information easily guessable vulnerability exists in Kyocera Document Solutions MFPs and printers, which may allow a network-adjacent attacker to log in to the product by spoofing a user with. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Veritas NetBackup Flex Scale through 3.0 and Access Appliance through 8.0.100. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Veritas NetBackup Flex Scale through 3.0 and Access Appliance through 8.0.100. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Capsule is a multi-tenancy and policy-based framework for Kubernetes. 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.
authentik is an open-source identity provider. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability in Algan Software Prens Student Information System allows Object Relational Mapping Injection.1.11. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 37794