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 (32036)
SAML authentication bypass in Sentry 21.12.0 through 26.1.0.
Strimzi Kafka Operator versions 0.49.0-0.50.0 incorrectly trusts all intermediate CAs in a multistage certificate chain for mTLS authentication, allowing any user with a certificate signed by any CA in the chain to authenticate to Kafka listeners. This authentication bypass affects only deployments using custom Cluster or Clients CA with multi-level CA chains. No patch is currently available.
Authentication bypass leading to administrator-level remote code execution affects MLflow installations that use the built-in basic authentication, which ships a basic_auth.ini file containing hard-coded default credentials. Remote unauthenticated attackers who know these well-known defaults can log in as the administrator and execute arbitrary code in that context. No public exploit has been identified at time of analysis and it is not in CISA KEV, but the EPSS score of 1.39% (80th percentile) reflects above-average exploitation interest for a Trend Micro ZDI-disclosed flaw with an available vendor patch.
Auth bypass in GFI Archiver via MArc.Store missing authorization. EPSS 0.59%.
Auth bypass in GFI Archiver via MArc.Core missing authorization. EPSS 0.59%.
Deviceviewer versions up to 3.12.0.1 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to change passwords without proper validation of the old password field (CVSS 6.5).
Part-DB 0.4 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to login by injecting SQL syntax into authentication parameters. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
The web management interface of the device renders the passwords in a plaintext input field. [CVSS 5.7 MEDIUM]
Wi-Fi routers lacking management frame protection are susceptible to forged deauthentication and disassociation attacks, enabling unauthenticated remote attackers to disconnect legitimate users and disrupt network availability. This vulnerability allows attackers to broadcast spoofed wireless management frames without credentials, creating denial-of-service conditions affecting all connected devices. No patch is currently available for this high-severity issue.
Unauthenticated remote attackers can manipulate the underlying PLC controller on affected devices due to missing authentication controls, enabling modification of device operations and potential service disruption. The vulnerability requires no user interaction and can be exploited over the network, with no official patch currently available to mitigate the risk.
HyperCloud versions 2.3.5 through 2.6.8 improperly allowed refresh tokens to be used directly for resource access and failed to invalidate previously issued access tokens when a refresh token was used.
Auth bypass in Smanga 3.2.7 allows unauthenticated password reset for any user including admin.
A security flaw has been discovered in detronetdip E-commerce 1.0.0. The impacted element is the function Delete/Update of the component Product Management Module. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
themeplugs Authorsy authorsy is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 7.5).
Inadequate access control in weDevs Subscribe2 plugin version 10.44 and earlier permits unauthenticated attackers to bypass authorization checks and gain unauthorized access to restricted functionality. An attacker can exploit misconfigured security levels to perform actions they should not be permitted to execute, potentially exposing sensitive subscriber data or modifying plugin settings. No patch is currently available.
Mikado-Themes PawFriends - Pet Shop and Veterinary WordPress Theme pawfriends is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
WP FullCalendar plugin version 1.6 and earlier for WordPress contains an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to modify calendar data and disrupt service availability. The weak access control implementation enables remote exploitation without requiring user interaction or special network conditions. Organizations running affected versions should upgrade immediately as no patch is currently available.
Insufficient authorization controls in PDF for Elementor Forms + Drag And Drop Template Builder version 6.3.1 and earlier allow authenticated users to modify or create PDF forms without proper permission validation. An attacker with user-level access could bypass access control restrictions to manipulate form configurations or data integrity. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Booked scheduling software versions 3.0.0 and earlier contain an authentication bypass flaw that allows authenticated users to abuse alternate authentication paths or channels to gain unauthorized access. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges or access restricted functionality without proper authorization. No patch is currently available for affected installations.
mdalabar WooODT Lite byconsole-woo-order-delivery-time is affected by authentication bypass by spoofing (CVSS 7.5).
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability in cnvrse Cnvrse cnvrse allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Cnvrse: from n/a through <= 026.02.10.20. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Jthemes Exzo exzo allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Exzo: from n/a through <= 1.2.4. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
AgniHD Cartify - WooCommerce Gutenberg WordPress Theme cartify is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
modeltheme ModelTheme Framework modeltheme-framework is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 7.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in GhostPool Gauge gauge allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Gauge: from n/a through <= 6.56.4. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in GhostPool Aardvark Plugin aardvark-plugin allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Aardvark Plugin: from n/a through <= 2.19. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Saad Iqbal New User Approve new-user-approve allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects New User Approve: from n/a through <= 3.2.0. [CVSS 8.6 HIGH]
ahachat AhaChat Messenger Marketing ahachat-messenger-marketing contains a security vulnerability (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ELEXtensions ELEX WordPress HelpDesk & Customer Ticketing System elex-helpdesk-customer-support-ticket-system allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects ELEX WordPress HelpDesk & Customer Ticketing System: from n/a through <= 3.3.5. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Saiful Islam Sync Master Sheet – Product Sync with Google Sheet for WooCommerce product-sync-master-sheet allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Sync Master Sheet – Product Sync with Google Sheet for WooCommerce: from n/a through <= 1.1.3.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in sendy Sendy sendy allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Sendy: from n/a through <= 3.4.2. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
vgdevsolutions Checkout Gateway for IRIS checkout-gateway-iris is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in add-ons.org PDF for WPForms pdf-for-wpforms allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects PDF for WPForms: from n/a through <= 6.3.0. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Cozmoslabs Paid Member Subscriptions paid-member-subscriptions is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in wpWax Directorist directorist allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Directorist: from n/a through <= 8.5.10. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Shiprocket Shiprocket shiprocket is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 7.4).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Leadpages Leadpages leadpages allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Leadpages: from n/a through <= 1.1.3. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
XLPlugins NextMove Lite woo-thank-you-page-nextmove-lite is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 7.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in LottieFiles LottieFiles lottiefiles allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects LottieFiles: from n/a through <= 3.0.0. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Travelpayouts Travelpayouts travelpayouts allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Travelpayouts: from n/a through <= 1.2.1. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Passionate Brains Advanced WC Analytics advance-wc-analytics is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Passionate Brains GA4WP: Google Analytics for WordPress ga-for-wp allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects GA4WP: Google Analytics for WordPress: from n/a through <= 2.10.0. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Niaj Morshed LC Wizard ghl-wizard allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects LC Wizard: from n/a through <= 2.1.1. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Addonify Addonify Floating Cart For WooCommerce addonify-floating-cart is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Addonify Addonify – Compare Products For WooCommerce addonify-compare-products allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Addonify – Compare Products For WooCommerce: from n/a through <= 1.1.17. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
soporteblue Plugin BlueX for WooCommerce bluex-for-woocommerce is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.3).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ConveyThis ConveyThis conveythis-translate allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects ConveyThis: from n/a through <= 269.5. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in themewant Easy Hotel Booking easy-hotel allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Easy Hotel Booking: from n/a through <= 1.8.7. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in PickPlugins Testimonial Slider testimonial allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Testimonial Slider: from n/a through <= 2.0.15. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel vulnerability in kamleshyadav Miraculous Elementor miraculous-el allows Authentication Abuse.This issue affects Miraculous Elementor: from n/a through <= 2.0.7. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in YayCommerce YayCurrency yaycurrency allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects YayCurrency: from n/a through <= 3.3. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Vito Peleg Atarim atarim-visual-collaboration allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Atarim: from n/a through <= 4.2.1. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
VillaTheme HAPPY happy-helpdesk-support-ticket-system is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 8.2).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in aDirectory aDirectory adirectory allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects aDirectory: from n/a through <= 3.0.3. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WP Legal Pages WPLegalPages wplegalpages allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects WPLegalPages: from n/a through <= 3.5.4. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
sunshinephotocart Sunshine Photo Cart sunshine-photo-cart is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in vertim Schedula schedula-smart-appointment-booking allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Schedula: from n/a through <= 1.0. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
knitpay UPI QR Code Payment Gateway for WooCommerce upi-qr-code-payment-for-woocommerce is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Arya Dhiratara Optimize More! – Images optimize-more-images allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Optimize More! [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in uixthemes Konte konte allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Konte: from n/a through <= 2.4.6. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in staviravn AIO WP Builder all-in-one-wp-builder allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects AIO WP Builder: from n/a through <= 2.0.2. [CVSS 7.6 HIGH]
Seraphinite Solutions Seraphinite Accelerator seraphinite-accelerator is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in SecuPress SecuPress Free secupress.This issue affects SecuPress Free: from n/a through <= 2.2.5.3. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Anssi Laitila Shared Files shared-files.This issue affects Shared Files: from n/a through <= 1.7.19. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
Missing authorization in Dromara RuoYi-Vue-Plus up to version 5.5.3 allows authenticated remote attackers to delete workflow instances without proper access controls via the SaServletFilter component. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and the vendor has not responded to disclosure attempts. The flaw enables low-impact compromise of workflow data integrity with network accessibility and minimal attack complexity.
Frappe Learning Management System versions 2.44.0 and below allow unauthenticated attackers to retrieve sensitive details about unpublished courses through API endpoints, exposing course content that should remain restricted. This information disclosure vulnerability affects all users of the affected versions, with no patch currently available pending the 2.45.0 release.
OpenClaw versions prior to 2026.2.14 allow authenticated users to bypass group authorization policies by leveraging direct message trust credentials in group contexts, enabling unauthorized access to restricted group conversations. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit improper policy enforcement in iMessage groupPolicy=allowlist configurations to gain unauthorized visibility into protected group communications. A patch is available in version 2026.2.14 and later.
OpenClaw versions before 2026.2.14 allow attackers with execution privileges to bypass command allowlist controls on node host deployments by exploiting a mismatch between validated and executed commands, potentially enabling execution of unapproved system commands. The vulnerability only affects configurations using node host execution paths with allowlist-based security policies and approval prompting. A patch is available in version 2026.2.14 which enforces consistency validation.
OpenClaw's Telnyx voice-call webhook handler fails to validate webhook signatures when the public key is not configured, allowing unauthenticated attackers to forge arbitrary Telnyx events. This affects only deployments with the Voice Call plugin installed, enabled, and publicly accessible, enabling attackers to inject malicious voice-call events into the system. A patch is available.
Cosign provides code signing and transparency for containers and binaries. [CVSS 3.7 LOW]
OpenClaw is a personal AI assistant. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Improper access control in designinvento DirectoryPress up to version 3.6.26 allows authenticated users to modify data and cause service disruptions through misconfigured security levels. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate application integrity and availability without requiring user interaction. No patch is currently available for this medium-severity vulnerability.
SeedProd Coming Soon Page plugin versions 6.19.7 and earlier contain a missing authorization vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to modify application content by exploiting improperly configured access controls. An attacker can leverage this flaw to alter website settings without proper authentication, potentially defacing or redirecting traffic on affected sites. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
DevsBlink EduBlink versions 2.0.7 and earlier contain an authorization bypass that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to modify data through improperly configured access controls. The vulnerability enables integrity compromise without requiring authentication or user interaction, affecting all installations of the vulnerable software versions. No patch is currently available to address this issue.
Authenticated users can modify email configurations in YayMail for WooCommerce through version 4.3.2 due to missing authorization checks on access control settings. An attacker with low-level WordPress user privileges could alter email templates or settings without proper permissions. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Function name collision in Rs Soroban SDK versions prior to 22.0.10, 23.5.2, and 25.1.1 causes the #[contractimpl] macro to invoke incorrect functions when both trait and inherent implementations share identical function names, allowing attackers to exploit logic flaws through public exploit code. Smart contract developers using affected versions risk silent execution of unintended code paths that could compromise contract integrity and security guarantees. Patches are available for all vulnerable versions.
opa-envoy-plugun is a plugin to enforce OPA policies with Envoy. Versions prior to 1.13.2-envoy-2 have a vulnerability in how the `input.parsed_path` field is constructed. HTTP request paths are treated as full URIs when parsed; interpreting leading path segments prefixed with double slashes (`//`) as authority components, and therefore dropping them from the parsed path. This creates a path in...
Hardcoded PostgreSQL credentials in Ruckus Network Director OVA < 4.5.0.54.
Unauthenticated attackers can bypass access controls in Alfresco Content Services to retrieve sensitive files from protected directories such as WEB-INF through the /share/page/resource/ endpoint. This vulnerability exposes critical configuration data and credentials without requiring authentication or user interaction. No patch is currently available for this remotely exploitable issue affecting Alfresco deployments.
SPIP before 4.3.6, 4.2.17, and 4.1.20 allows unauthorized content disclosure in the private area. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Execution After Redirect + missing auth in BiEticaret CMS.
MeCODE Informatics and Engineering Services Ltd. Envanty is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 7.3).
Any unauthenticated user can reset the WorkTime on-prem database configuration by sending a specific HTTP request to the WorkTime server. No authorization check is applied here. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
Dell PowerProtect Data Manager versions prior to 19.22 contain improper verification of communication channels in the REST API, allowing high-privileged remote attackers to bypass security protections. The vulnerability requires administrative credentials but carries no patch availability, creating ongoing risk for affected deployments.
Inadequate access control in WPAdverts through version 2.2.11 permits authenticated users to access sensitive information they should not be authorized to view. An attacker with valid login credentials could exploit misconfigured permission checks to read confidential data within the plugin. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
PI Web Solution Live sales notification for WooCommerce live-sales-notifications-for-woocommerce is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
Improper access control in StellarWP iThemes Sync through version 3.2.8 allows authenticated attackers to modify data they should not have permission to access. An attacker with valid login credentials could exploit misconfigured authorization checks to perform unauthorized modifications within the plugin. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Penci AI SmartContent Creator version 2.0 and earlier contains an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows authenticated users to perform unauthorized actions due to improperly configured access controls. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit this to modify data or functionality they should not have access to. No patch is currently available for this issue.
Unauthorized modification of content is possible in WPDeveloper NotificationX through version 3.2.1 due to improper access control checks that allow unauthenticated attackers to manipulate notification data. This vulnerability affects all installations of the plugin without authentication requirements, enabling attackers to alter or inject malicious content. No security patch is currently available.
Dell Unisphere for PowerMax 10.2 lacks proper authorization checks, allowing authenticated remote attackers to bypass access controls and gain unauthorized administrative capabilities. This missing authorization vulnerability (CWE-862) affects users who have any valid account credentials on affected systems. No patch is currently available, making this a critical risk for organizations operating vulnerable PowerMax installations.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32036