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 (37894)
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebCenter Sites component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Blob Server). 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: Networking). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebCenter Sites component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Server). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebCenter Sites component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Server). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle WebCenter Sites component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Server). 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 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 VM VirtualBox component of Oracle Virtualization (subcomponent: Shared Folder). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5).
Vulnerability in the Oracle Real-Time Scheduler component of Oracle Utilities Applications (subcomponent: Mobile Communications Platform). 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: Security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Universal Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Infrastructure). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), 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 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: Networking). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Retail Warehouse Management System component of Oracle Retail Applications (subcomponent: Security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Transportation Manager component of Oracle Supply Chain Products Suite (subcomponent: Security). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise SCM Service Procurement component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Usability). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise SCM Strategic Sourcing component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Bidder Registration). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise SCM eSupplier Connection component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Vendor). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, 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 PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Fluid Core). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Security). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle User Management component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: User Name/Password Management). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle VM VirtualBox component of Oracle Virtualization (subcomponent: Core). Rated low severity (CVSS 2.5).
Vulnerability in the Solaris component of Oracle Sun Systems Products Suite (subcomponent: Kernel Zones virtualized NIC driver). Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Java SE, Java SE Embedded component of Oracle Java SE (subcomponent: Networking). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise FIN Receivables component of Oracle PeopleSoft Products (subcomponent: Receivables). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), 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 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Primavera Gateway component of Oracle Primavera Products Suite (subcomponent: Primavera Desktop Integration). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Social Network component of Oracle Fusion Middleware (subcomponent: Android Client). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Enterprise Limits and Collateral Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Infrastructure). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Direct Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Pre-Login). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), 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: Retail Teller). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Enterprise Limits and Collateral Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Infrastructure). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Enterprise Limits and Collateral Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Infrastructure). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Enterprise Limits and Collateral Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Limits and Collateral). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Enterprise Limits and Collateral Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Limits and Collateral). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Investor Servicing 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 Oracle FLEXCUBE Investor Servicing component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Unit Trust). Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Investor Servicing component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Unit Trust). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Enterprise Limits and Collateral Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Limits and Collateral). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Enterprise Limits and Collateral Management component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Limits and Collateral). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Universal Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Infrastructure). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Universal Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Infrastructure). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Private Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Miscellaneous). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Private Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Miscellaneous). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Private Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Miscellaneous). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Solaris component of Oracle Sun Systems Products Suite (subcomponent: Zone). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Private Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Miscellaneous). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Private Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Portfolio Management). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Private Banking component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Miscellaneous). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Workbench component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Workbench: Security : Encryption). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Security: Encryption). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: C API). Rated low severity (CVSS 3.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Security: Privileges). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: DDL). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: Security: Privileges). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Retail Open Commerce Platform component of Oracle Retail Applications (subcomponent: Web). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle One-to-One Fulfillment component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Audience workbench). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Advanced Outbound Telephony component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: Interaction History). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Marketing component of Oracle E-Business Suite (subcomponent: User Interface). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Enterprise Monitor component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Monitoring: Server). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the MySQL Server component of Oracle MySQL (subcomponent: Server: C API). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Vulnerability in the Oracle FLEXCUBE Investor Servicing component of Oracle Financial Services Applications (subcomponent: Unit Trust). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Retail Invoice Matching component of Oracle Retail Applications (subcomponent: Security). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Automatic Service Request (ASR) component of Oracle Support Tools (subcomponent: ASR Manager). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Automatic Service Request (ASR) component of Oracle Support Tools (subcomponent: ASR Manager). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Vulnerability in the Solaris Cluster component of Oracle Sun Systems Products Suite (subcomponent: NAS device addition). Rated low severity (CVSS 2.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
D-Link DVG-N5402SP with firmware W1000CN-00, W1000CN-03, or W2000EN-00 has a default password of root for the root account and tw for the tw account, which makes it easier for remote attackers to. 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 33.1%.
An insufficient authentication vulnerability in Juniper Networks NorthStar Controller Application prior to version 2.1.0 Service Pack 1 may allow a malicious, network based, unauthenticated attacker. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A firewall bypass vulnerability in Juniper Networks NorthStar Controller Application prior to version 2.1.0 Service Pack 1 may allow a network-based malicious attacker to bypass firewall policies,. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An insufficient authentication vulnerability in Juniper Networks NorthStar Controller Application prior to version 2.1.0 Service Pack 1 may allow an unprivileged, authenticated, user to execute. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.2), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in Juniper Networks NorthStar Controller Application prior to version 2.1.0 Service Pack 1 may allow a malicious attacker to compromise the systems confidentiality or integrity. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Lenovo System Update (formerly ThinkVantage System Update) before 5.07.0019 allows local users to gain privileges by making a prediction of tvsu_tmp_xxxxxXXXXX account credentials that requires. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
IBM Tivoli IT Asset Management for IT, Tivoli Service Request Manager, and Change and Configuration Management Database 7.1 through 7.1.1.8 and 7.2 and Maximo Asset Management and Maximo Industry. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
On the TP-Link TL-SG108E 1.0, the upgrade process can be requested remotely without authentication (httpupg.cgi with a parameter called cmd). 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.
On the TP-Link TL-SG108E 1.0, there is a hard-coded ciphering key (a long string beginning with Ei2HNryt). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The Broadcom Wi-Fi driver for Android, as used by BlackBerry smartphones before Build AAE570, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the kernel. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The auto-provisioning mechanism in the Grandstream Wave app 1.0.1.26 and earlier for Android and Grandstream Video IP phones allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof provisioning data and. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Tenable Appliance 4.4.0, and possibly prior, contains a flaw in the Web UI that allows for the unauthorized manipulation of the admin password. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
OpenText Documentum Content Server allows superuser access via sys_obj_save or save of a crafted object, followed by an unauthorized "UPDATE dm_dbo.dm_user_s SET user_privileges=16" command, aka an. 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 in the session identification management functionality of the web-based GUI of Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC) 3.0(1c) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The "restore teacher" feature in Moodle 3.0 through 3.0.3, 2.9 through 2.9.5, 2.8 through 2.8.11, 2.7 through 2.7.13, and earlier allows remote authenticated users to overwrite the course idnumber. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
The user editing form in Moodle 3.0 through 3.0.3, 2.9 through 2.9.5, 2.8 through 2.8.11, 2.7 through 2.7.13, and earlier allows remote authenticated users to edit profile fields locked by the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
LINE for Windows before 4.8.3 allows man-in-the-middle attackers to execute arbitrary code. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Cybozu Garoon before 4.2.2 does not properly restrict access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
ovirt-engine-webadmin, as used in Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization Manager (aka RHEV-M) for Servers and RHEV-M 4.0, allows physically proximate attackers to bypass a webadmin session timeout. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
MediaWiki 1.27.x before 1.27.1 might allow remote attackers to bypass intended session access restrictions by leveraging a call to the UserGetRights function after Session::getAllowedUserRights. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
MediaWiki before 1.23.15, 1.26.x before 1.26.4, and 1.27.x before 1.27.1 allows remote authenticated users with undelete permissions to bypass intended suppressrevision and deleterevision. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
ApiParse in MediaWiki before 1.23.15, 1.26.x before 1.26.4, and 1.27.x before 1.27.1 allows remote attackers to bypass intended per-title read restrictions via a parse action to api.php. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Cybozu Garoon before 4.2.2 allows remote attackers to bypass login authentication via vectors related to API use. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Drupal 8 before 8.2.8 and 8.3 before 8.3.1 allows critical access bypass by authenticated users if the RESTful Web Services (rest) module is enabled and the site allows PATCH requests. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 37894