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 (37886)
An issue was discovered in Extreme Networks ExtremeWireless WiNG 5.x before 5.8.6.9 and 5.9.x before 5.9.1.3. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The sqlauth module in SimpleSAMLphp before 1.15.2 relies on the MySQL utf8 charset, which truncates queries upon encountering four-byte characters. 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.
MantisBT 2.10.0 allows local users to conduct SQL Injection attacks via the vendor/adodb/adodb-php/server.php sql parameter in a request to the 127.0.0.1 IP address. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
iBall iB-WRA150N 1.2.6 build 110401 Rel.47776n devices have a hardcoded password of admin for the admin account, a hardcoded password of support for the support account, and a hardcoded password of. 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 vulnerability has been identified in TeleControl Server Basic < V3.1. 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.
A vulnerability has been identified in TeleControl Server Basic < V3.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), 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.
A vulnerability has been identified in Desigo PXC00-E.D V4.10 (All versions < V4.10.111), Desigo PXC00-E.D V5.00 (All versions < V5.0.171), Desigo PXC00-E.D V5.10 (All versions < V5.10.69), Desigo. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
On Jenkins instances with Authorize Project plugin, the authentication associated with a build may lack the Computer/Build permission on some agents. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Moodle 3.x, the setting for blocked hosts list can be bypassed with multiple A record hostnames. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Analytical Applications Reconciliation Framework component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise SCM eProcurement component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Manage Requisition Status). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Retail Merchandising System component of Oracle Retail Applications (subcomponent: Cross Pillar). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Funds Transfer Pricing component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Funds Transfer Pricing component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Market Risk Measurement and Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Market Risk component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Hedge Management and IFRS Valuations component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Loan Loss Forecasting and Provisioning component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Asset Liability Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Price Creation and Discovery component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Price Creation and Discovery component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Liquidity Risk Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Hedge Management and IFRS Valuations component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Solaris component of Oracle Sun Systems Products Suite (subcomponent: SPARC Platform). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.6), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Market Risk Measurement and Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: BI Platform Security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Market Risk component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebCenter Portal component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: WebCenter Spaces Application). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Loan Loss Forecasting and Provisioning component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle JDeveloper component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Security Framework). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Banking Corporate Lending component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Core module). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Banking Payments component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Payments Core). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise FSCM component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Strategic Sourcing). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Cruise Fleet Management component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Emergency Response System). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Cruise Fleet Management component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Emergency Response System). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Application Express component of Oracle Database Server. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Cruise Fleet Management component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Emergency Response System). Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Query). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Asset Liability Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle User Management component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Proxy User Delegation). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle User Management component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Registration Process). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Liquidity Risk Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise HCM Human Resources component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Profitability Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Java Advanced Management Console component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Server). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Direct Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Logoff). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Simphony component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: POS). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Simphony component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: POS). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise SCM Purchasing component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Supplier Registration). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Profitability Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Reporting and Analytics component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Report). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Labor Management component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Webservice Endpoint). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Transportation Management component of Oracle Supply Chain Products Suite (subcomponent: Security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Analytical Applications Infrastructure component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Core). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Tools component of Oracle JD Edwards Products (subcomponent: Web Runtime SEC). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the JD Edwards EnterpriseOne Tools component of Oracle JD Edwards Products (subcomponent: Web Runtime SEC). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle General Ledger component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Data Manager Server). Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Work in Process component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Assemble/Configure to Order). Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise HCM Human Resources component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Company Dir / Org Chart Viewer). 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: Connected Query). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Integration Broker). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: XML Publisher). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Reporting and Analytics component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Report). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Performance Schema). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Argus Safety component of Oracle Health Sciences Applications (subcomponent: Worklist). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Argus Safety component of Oracle Health Sciences Applications (subcomponent: Case Selection). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: AWT). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JMX). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Application Object Library component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Login). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JGSS). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the Siebel Engineering - Installer and Deployment component of Oracle Siebel CRM (subcomponent: Siebel Approval Manager). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Transportation Management component of Oracle Supply Chain Products Suite (subcomponent: Security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Universal Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Security Management System). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded, JRockit component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: JGSS). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Financial Services Balance Sheet Planning component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: User Interface). 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 Services). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Sun ZFS Storage Appliance Kit (AK) component of Oracle Sun Systems Products Suite (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Sun ZFS Storage Appliance Kit (AK) component of Oracle Sun Systems Products Suite (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Cruise Shipboard Property Management System component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Mobile Gangway and Mustering). 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 Construction and Engineering Suite (subcomponent: Platform). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Simphony component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, 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 OSS Support Tools component of Oracle Support Tools (subcomponent: Diagnostic Assistant). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Universal Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Infrastructure). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Argus Safety component of Oracle Health Sciences Applications (subcomponent: Login). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Hyperion Data Relationship Management component of Oracle Hyperion (subcomponent: Access and security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Agile PLM component of Oracle Supply Chain Products Suite (subcomponent: Security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Simphony component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Security). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Hospitality Guest Access component of Oracle Hospitality Applications (subcomponent: Base). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.2), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Integration Broker). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 37886