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 (33200)
Windows Error Reporting (WER) in Windows Server 2008 SP2 and R2 SP1, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 Gold and R2, Windows RT 8.1, Windows 10 Gold, 1511, 1607, 1703, and Windows Server. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. Epss exploitation probability 14.0%.
The WS-SP UsernameToken policy in Apache CXF 2.4.5 and 2.5.1 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication by sending an empty UsernameToken as part of a SOAP request. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), 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.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DDL). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DDL). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Client mysqldump). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: C API). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Applications DBA component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: AD Utilities). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability in synotheme_upload.php in Synology Photo Station before 6.7.3-3432 and 6.3-2967 allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary files without authentication via the logo_upload action. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and EPSS exploitation probability 14.8%.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PRTL Interaction Hub component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Add New Image). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PRTL Interaction Hub component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Browse Folder Hierarchy). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PRTL Interaction Hub component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: EPPCM_HIER_TOP). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PRTL Interaction Hub component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: EPPCM_HIER_TOP). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise FSCM component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Staffing Front Office). Rated low severity (CVSS 2.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Pivot Grid). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Updates Change Assistant). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7).
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Test Framework). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7).
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Tuxedo). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7).
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Integration Broker). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PRTL Interaction Hub component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: EPPCM_HIER_TOP). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PRTL Interaction Hub component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: HTML Area). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Application Object Library component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: iHelp). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and EPSS exploitation probability 12.9%.
Vulnerability in the Oracle General Ledger component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Account Hierarchy Manager). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Application Object Library component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Attachments). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hospitality WebSuite8 Cloud Service component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: General). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Cruise AffairWhere component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: AWExport). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Cruise Dining Room Management component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: SilverWhere). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Cruise Materials Management component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Event Viewer). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Cruise Shipboard Property Management System component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Module). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Cruise Fleet Management component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Fleet Management System Suite). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality RES 3700 component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: OPS Operations). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0).
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Inventory Management component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Inventory and Count Cycle). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Materials Control component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Purchasing). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Materials Control component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Production Tool). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hospitality Property Interfaces component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Parser). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Guest Access component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Base). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Guest Access component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Base). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Guest Access component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Base). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hospitality Property Interfaces component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Parser). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PRTL Interaction Hub component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: EPPCM_DEFN_CATG). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Retail Xstore Point of Service component of Oracle Retail Applications (subcomponent: Xstore Office). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hospitality Suite8 component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: WebConnect). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hospitality Suite8 component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: WebConnect). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hospitality Suite8 component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: WebConnect). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality e7 component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Other). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Simphony component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Enterprise Management Console). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality e7 component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Other). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality e7 component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Other). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle iLearning component of Oracle iLearning (subcomponent: Learner Pages). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Simphony component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Import/Export). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Security). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the Oracle iStore component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Shopping Cart). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Web Analytics component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Common Libraries). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hospitality Suite8 component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Leisure). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hospitality Hotel Mobile component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Suite 8/Android). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle iStore component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: User and Company Profile). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle CRM Technical Foundation component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: User Management). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Field Service component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Wireless/WAP). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality OPERA 5 Property Services component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: OPERA Export Functionality). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Vulnerability in the Oracle CRM Technical Foundation component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: CMRO). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Application Management Pack for Oracle E-Business Suite component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: User Monitoring). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Web Container). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Application Object Library component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Flexfields). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Security). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle iSupport component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Profiles). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle iSupport component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Service Request). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Retail Open Commerce Platform component of Oracle Retail Applications (subcomponent: Website). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Retail Open Commerce Platform component of Oracle Retail Applications (subcomponent: Framework). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Marketing component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Home Page). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Field Service component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Wireless/WAP). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality 9700 component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Operation Security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hospitality Hotel Mobile component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Suite 8/Windows). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.6).
Vulnerability in the Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management component of Oracle Primavera Products Suite (subcomponent: Web Access). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the BI Publisher component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: BI Publisher Security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the BI Publisher component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: BI Publisher Security). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Primavera Unifier component of Oracle Primavera Products Suite (subcomponent: Platform). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Primavera Unifier component of Oracle Primavera Products Suite (subcomponent: Platform). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Core Components). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle CRM Technical Foundation component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Preferences). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Simphony component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Import/Export). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JCE). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise FSCM component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: eProcurement). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hospitality Hotel Mobile component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Suite8/RestAPI). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hospitality Hotel Mobile component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Suite8/iOS). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle iStore component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: User Management). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hospitality WebSuite8 Cloud Service component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: General). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PRTL Interaction Hub component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: HTML Area). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebLogic Server component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Web Container). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Solaris component of Oracle Sun Systems Products Suite (subcomponent: Kernel). Rated low severity (CVSS 1.8).
Vulnerability in the Java Advanced Management Console component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Server). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 33200