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 (32092)
ExpressTech Systems Quiz And Survey Master quiz-master-next is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
ExpressTech Systems Quiz And Survey Master quiz-master-next is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.3).
Improper access control in MiKa OSM through version 6.1.12 allows authenticated users to modify data or settings they should not have permission to access. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit misconfigured security levels to escalate privileges or alter system configuration. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Insufficient access control in SupportCandy plugin versions 3.4.4 and earlier allows unauthenticated remote attackers to modify data through improperly configured security permissions. This vulnerability affects WordPress installations using the vulnerable plugin, enabling attackers to perform unauthorized actions without requiring authentication. No patch is currently available for this issue.
Cool Plugins Elementor Contact Form DB sb-elementor-contact-form-db is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
hcaptcha hCaptcha for WP hcaptcha-for-forms-and-more is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
WP Messiah TOP Table Of Contents top-table-of-contents is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
FluentForm versions 6.1.14 and earlier contain an access control bypass that allows authenticated users to perform unauthorized modifications. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit improperly configured security levels to alter data they should not have access to. No patch is currently available.
Improper access control in 10up Autoshare for Twitter through version 2.3.1 enables authenticated users to modify or disable sharing functionality without proper authorization checks. An attacker with limited privileges could exploit this vulnerability to disrupt social media publishing workflows or cause service unavailability for legitimate users. No patch is currently available for this medium-severity vulnerability.
Improper access control in wp.insider Simple Membership plugin versions 4.6.9 and earlier allows authenticated users to bypass security level restrictions and modify content they should not have access to. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit misconfigured access controls to escalate privileges within the plugin. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
N-Media Frontend File Manager nmedia-user-file-uploader is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.3).
Improper access control in madalin.ungureanu Client Portal versions up to 1.2.1 allows authenticated users to modify data they should not have access to due to incorrectly configured security levels. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit this missing authorization check to perform unauthorized modifications, though no patch is currently available.
Kraft Plugins Wheel of Life version 1.2.0 and earlier contains a missing authorization vulnerability that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to modify data through incorrectly configured access controls. The vulnerability enables integrity attacks against affected installations without requiring user interaction. No patch is currently available.
BBR Plugins Better Business Reviews better-business-reviews is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
DirectoryPress through version 3.6.25 contains an access control bypass that allows unauthenticated attackers to modify data due to improperly configured authorization checks. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability over the network without authentication or user interaction to alter information in affected installations. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
cmsmasters CMSMasters Content Composer cmsmasters-content-composer is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 7.1).
Aruba.it Dev Aruba HiSpeed Cache aruba-hispeed-cache is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
WPDeveloper Essential Addons for Elementor essential-addons-for-elementor-lite is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WPFunnels Mail Mint mail-mint allows Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs.This issue affects Mail Mint: from n/a through <= 1.19.4.
Dell PowerProtect Data Manager versions prior to 19.22 contain improper verification of REST API communication channels that allows high-privileged remote attackers to bypass security protections. The vulnerability requires administrative credentials and network access, enabling authenticated attackers to circumvent established security controls. No patch is currently available.
An authentication bypass vulnerability has been found in Thesamur's AutoGPT. This vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass authentication mechanisms.
A security flaw has been discovered in Beetel 777VR1 up to 01.00.09. This issue affects some unknown processing of the component WPA2 PSK. Performing a manipulation results in hard-coded credentials. The attacker must have access to the local network to execute the attack. The complexity of an attack is rather high. The exploitability is assessed as difficult. The exploit has been released to the public and may be used for attacks. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did ...
The Dealia - Request a quote WordPress plugin fails to properly validate user permissions on AJAX endpoints, allowing authenticated users with Contributor-level access or higher to reset plugin configuration by exploiting an exposed admin nonce. An attacker with basic edit_posts capability can bypass the capability check and modify critical plugin settings without administrative privileges. The vulnerability affects all versions up to 1.0.6 and currently has no available patch.
OpenClaw versions 2026.1.30 and below fail to validate Telegram webhook secret tokens when `channels.telegram.webhookSecret` is not configured, allowing attackers with network access to the webhook endpoint to forge Telegram messages and trigger unintended bot actions. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability. Affected deployments must upgrade to version 2026.2.1 or later, or ensure the webhook endpoint is not reachable by untrusted networks.
Gogs versions 0.13.4 and earlier contain an access control bypass in the label management function that allows authenticated users to modify labels across repositories they don't own. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation in the label update endpoint, enabling cross-repository label tampering attacks. Public exploit code exists for this issue, though a patch is available in version 0.14.1.
Gogs is an open source self-hosted Git service. In versions 0.13.4 and below, the DeleteComment API does not verify that the comment belongs to the repository specified in the URL. [CVSS 2.7 LOW]
The Orderable WordPress plugin through version 1.20.0 fails to properly verify user permissions on plugin installation functions, enabling authenticated subscribers to install malicious plugins and achieve remote code execution. An attacker with minimal WordPress account privileges can exploit this capability check bypass to gain full server compromise without administrator credentials. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability (CVSS 8.8).
OGP-Website installs prior git commit 52f865a4fba763594453068acf8fa9e3fc38d663 are affected by a type juggling flaw which if exploited can result in authentication bypass without knowledge of the victim account's password.
The Two Factor (2FA) Authentication via Email plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Two-Factor Authentication Bypass in versions up to, and including, 1.9.8. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Electronic Archives System versions up to 3.2.210802 is affected by improper access control (CVSS 7.3).
Unauthenticated module deletion in Majordomo's market module allows remote attackers to completely disable installations through a series of GET requests. The vulnerability stems from improper authentication checks that expose the uninstall functionality without requiring credentials, enabling attackers to iteratively remove all modules and associated files. Public exploit code exists for this high-severity flaw, and no patch is currently available.
Centova Cast 3.2.11 contains a file download vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers to retrieve arbitrary system files through the server.copyfile API endpoint. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Unrestricted file upload in mingSoft MCMS 6.1.1's template archive handler allows authenticated attackers with high privileges to upload arbitrary files via manipulation of the File parameter in /ms/file/uploadTemplate.do. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability and no patch is currently available. The attack requires network access and high-level authentication but could lead to remote code execution or system compromise.
Unrestricted file upload in huanzi-qch base-admin's JSP file upload function allows authenticated remote attackers to upload arbitrary files by manipulating the File parameter, potentially leading to code execution. The vulnerability affects the SysFileController component and has public exploit code available. No patch is currently available from the developers.
Hospital Management System versions up to 4.0 is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 6.5).
BSV Blockchain SDK is a unified TypeScript SDK for developing scalable apps on the BSV Blockchain. versions up to 2.0.0 contains a security vulnerability (CVSS 5.4).
Missing authentication on multiple admin action scripts in ProjectWorlds Online Time Table Generator allows unauthenticated users to perform administrative operations. PoC available.
Graylog 2.2.3 contains an insecure direct object reference (IDOR) vulnerability in its user API endpoint that allows authenticated users to enumerate and access other users' profiles by manipulating user IDs in requests. An attacker with valid credentials can extract sensitive information including usernames, email addresses, internal identifiers, and last activity timestamps from arbitrary user accounts. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Improper session invalidation in Graylog Web Interface 2.2.3 allows attackers to maintain access through expired sessions, potentially enabling persistent unauthorized access to log management systems.
The WP All Export plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Sensitive Information Exposure in all versions up to, and including, 1.4.14 via the export download endpoint. This is due to a PHP type juggling vulnerability in the security token comparison which uses loose comparison (==) instead of strict comparison (===). This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication using "magic hash" values when the expected MD5 hash prefix happens to be numeric-looking (matching pa...
Doruk Communication and Automation Industry and Trade Inc. Wispotter is affected by improper authentication (CVSS 5.3).
Unauthorized data modification in YayMail WooCommerce Email Customizer WordPress plugin allows unauthenticated attackers to modify email templates, potentially enabling phishing attacks against customers.
Unauthenticated API exposure in industrial control products allows remote attackers to access critical functions without authentication.
HPE Aruba Networking 5G Core API error handling exposes sensitive information including user accounts, roles, and system configuration to unauthenticated remote attackers. Successful exploitation enables attackers to gather intelligence on internal services and workflows, creating a foundation for further attacks targeting unauthorized access and privilege escalation. A patch is available.
HPE Aruba Networking 5G Core API error handling leaks sensitive information including user accounts, roles, and system configuration to unauthenticated remote attackers. Exposed internal service details can be leveraged to identify attack vectors for privilege escalation and unauthorized access. A patch is available.
Unauthenticated attackers can bypass API authentication in Aruba Networking Private 5G Core to create unauthorized administrative accounts, enabling full system compromise. Successful exploitation grants attackers administrative privileges to modify configurations and access sensitive data within affected deployments.
Dell RecoverPoint for Virtual Machines prior to 6.0.3.1 HF1 contains hardcoded credentials (CVE-2026-22769, CVSS 10.0) that allow unauthenticated remote attackers with knowledge of the credentials to gain root-level access to the underlying operating system. KEV-listed, this vulnerability exposes disaster recovery infrastructure to complete compromise, potentially affecting the integrity of backup and replication data.
Improper Input Validation vulnerability in Apache Tomcat Native, Apache Tomcat. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Hard-coded credentials in the Beetel 777VR1 router's web management interface allow adjacent network attackers to gain full administrative access without authentication. Affecting firmware versions up to and including 01.00.09, this vulnerability enables complete device compromise through documented default credentials that cannot be changed through normal configuration. Publicly available exploit code exists with detailed reproduction steps, and the vendor has not responded to disclosure attempts. EPSS score of 0.19% (40th percentile) suggests limited widespread exploitation despite public POC availability, likely due to the device's limited deployment footprint and adjacent network attack requirement.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Smartypants SP Project & Document Manager allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects SP Project & Document Manager: from n/a through 4.70. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Paul Custom Content by Country (by Shield Security) custom-content-by-country.This issue affects Custom Content by Country (by Shield Security): from n/a through 3.1.2. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
from 3.0.0 to 3.3.1 versions up to 3.5.0. is affected by missing authentication for critical function (CVSS 6.1).
Apache NiFi 1.1.0 through 2.7.2 are missing authorization when updating configuration properties on extension components that have specific Required Permissions based on the Restricted annotation.
Mattermost versions 10.11.x <= 10.11.9 fail to enforce invite permissions when updating team settings, which allows team administrators without proper permissions to bypass restrictions and add users to their team via API requests. Mattermost Advisory ID: MMSA-2025-00561 [CVSS 3.8 LOW]
Mattermost versions 11.1.x <= 11.1.2, 10.11.x <= 10.11.9, 11.2.x <= 11.2.1 fail to properly validate team membership when processing channel mentions which allows authenticated users to determine the existence of teams and their URL names via posting channel shortlinks and observing the channel_mentions property in the API response. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
ipTIME A6004MX router has an access control vulnerability in VPN client configuration enabling unauthorized network access.
Mattermost Server versions 11.1.x through 11.1.2, 10.11.x through 10.11.9, and 11.2.x through 11.2.1 inadequately enforce login method restrictions, permitting authenticated users to circumvent SSO-only requirements by authenticating with a userID instead. This allows an attacker with valid credentials to gain unauthorized access to accounts restricted to single sign-on authentication. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
eNet Smart Home server versions 2.2.1 and 2.3.1 allow authenticated users to delete arbitrary user accounts through an authorization bypass in the deleteUserAccount JSON-RPC method. Any low-privileged user can submit a crafted request to remove other accounts without elevated permissions, and public exploit code exists for this vulnerability. The impact includes unauthorized account deletion and potential denial of service, with no patch currently available.
The Micca KE700 system relies on a 6-bit portion of an identifier for authentication within rolling codes, providing only 64 possible combinations. This low entropy allows an attacker to perform a brute-force attack against one component of the rolling code.
The Micca KE700 system contains flawed resynchronization logic and is vulnerable to replay attacks. This attack requires sending two previously captured codes in a specific sequence.
The Linux kernel netfilter connection tracking module fails to properly manage garbage collection timing, allowing an attacker with local access to bypass cleanup operations and cause unbounded memory consumption on affected systems. By maintaining a sufficiently high packet rate, an attacker can prevent the garbage collector from executing, causing the connection tracking list to grow indefinitely and potentially lead to denial of service. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Privilege escalation in the Magic Login Mail or QR Code WordPress plugin (versions up to 2.05) allows unauthenticated attackers to hijack any user account, including administrator accounts, by exploiting a race condition in QR code file handling. The plugin creates QR code login images with predictable filenames in the public uploads directory and fails to delete them immediately after email transmission, enabling attackers to intercept the encoded login URLs. An attacker can trigger login requests for arbitrary users and extract valid authentication tokens during the window before file cleanup occurs.
Unauthenticated attackers can forge IPN payment notifications in the BlueSnap Payment Gateway for WooCommerce plugin by spoofing whitelisted IP addresses through header manipulation, allowing them to arbitrarily modify order statuses without authorization. The vulnerability stems from improper IP validation in all versions up to 3.3.0, affecting WordPress installations with this payment plugin active. No patch is currently available.
Caido versions prior to 0.55.0 can be bypassed using a crafted X-Forwarded-Host header to circumvent domain whitelist restrictions, allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to reach non-whitelisted domains through port 8080. This vulnerability affects all users of the web security auditing toolkit and could enable attackers to exfiltrate data or attack internal systems. No patch is currently available for affected versions.
LavaLite CMS 10.1.0 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control. An authenticated user with low-level privileges (User role) can directly access the admin backend by logging in through /admin/login. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Unauthenticated API access in Milvus vector database before 2.5.27/2.6.10. TCP port 9091 exposed by default without authentication. EPSS 0.32% with PoC and patch available.
Kanboard versions prior to 1.2.50 allow authenticated users to duplicate tasks into projects they lack access permissions for due to insufficient validation in the TaskCreationController endpoint. This privilege escalation vulnerability enables users to move sensitive tasks across project boundaries they should not be able to access. Public exploit code exists for this incomplete fix of a prior authorization bypass vulnerability.
Flexcity versions up to 1.0.36. is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 8.3).
Flexcity versions before 1.0.36 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows authenticated users to escalate their privileges through an alternate access path. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized elevated access to the system. No patch is currently available.
Privilege Defined With Unsafe Actions, Missing Authentication for Critical Function vulnerability in Universal Software Inc. FlexCity/Kiosk allows Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs, Privilege Escalation.This issue affects FlexCity/Kiosk: from 1.0 before 1.0.36. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
PRO-7070 Hazır Profesyonel Web Sitesi version 1.0 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in the administration panel login page. Attackers can bypass authentication by using '=' 'or' as both username and password to gain unauthorized access to the administrative interface. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Thrive Smart Home 1.1 contains an SQL injection vulnerability in the checklogin.php endpoint that allows unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication by manipulating the 'user' POST parameter. [CVSS 8.2 HIGH]
Heatmiser Netmonitor 3.03 contains a hardcoded credentials vulnerability in the networkSetup.htm page with predictable admin login credentials. Attackers can access the device by using the hard-coded username 'admin' and password 'admin' in the hidden form input fields. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
E Learning Script 1.0 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows attackers to access the dashboard without valid credentials by manipulating login parameters. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Unauthenticated webhook endpoints in Yoke's Air Traffic Controller component allow any pod within a Kubernetes cluster to submit AdmissionReview requests and execute WASM modules in the controller's context without authorization. This affects Yoke versions 0.19.0 and earlier, enabling attackers with cluster access to bypass API Server authentication and potentially compromise the infrastructure-as-code deployment pipeline. No patch is currently available.
authentik is an open-source identity provider. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Authenticated users in LavinMQ versions before 2.6.6 can read sensitive broker metadata they lack permissions to access, resulting in information disclosure. This vulnerability requires valid credentials but poses a risk in multi-tenant deployments where access controls should be strictly enforced. A patch is available in version 2.6.6.
Authenticated users holding the Policymaker tag in LavinMQ prior to version 2.6.8 can create shovels that bypass access controls, allowing them to read from or publish messages to unauthorized virtual hosts. This privilege escalation vulnerability affects multi-tenant deployments where access segregation is critical. A patch is available in version 2.6.8 and later.
Authentik Proxy Provider allows authentication bypass through malformed cookies when deployed with Traefik or Caddy as a reverse proxy, enabling attackers to access protected applications by circumventing forward authentication checks. The vulnerability stems from improper cookie validation that prevents the setting of required authentik-specific X-Authentik-* headers, potentially granting unauthorized access depending on the backend application's configuration. Affected versions prior to 2025.10.4 and 2025.12.4 are vulnerable; patches are available in the specified releases.
thesystem App 1.0 contains a SQL injection vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass authentication by manipulating the username parameter. Attackers can inject malicious SQL code like ' or '1=1 to the username field to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
TheSystem 1.0 contains a SQL injection vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass authentication by manipulating the 'server_name' parameter. Attackers can inject malicious SQL code like ' or '1=1 to retrieve unauthorized database records and potentially access sensitive system information. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Administrative account takeover in newbee-mall arises from pre-seeded admin accounts shipped in the database initialization schema with a predictable, publicly known default password. Any deployment that runs the provided schema and leaves the seeded credentials unchanged lets remote unauthenticated attackers log in as administrator and take full control of the storefront and its backend. Publicly available exploit information exists (project issue #119 and a VulnCheck advisory), though EPSS is low (0.13%) and it is not listed in CISA KEV, so no public exploit identified as actively exploited.
Improper Access Control in an on-chip debug interface could allow a privileged attacker to enable a debug interface and potentially compromise data confidentiality or integrity.
An issue in the "My Details" user profile functionality of Ideagen Q-Pulse 7.1.0.32 allows an authenticated user to view other users' profile information by modifying the objectKey HTTP parameter in the My Details page URL. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability in Farktor Software E-Commerce Services Inc. E-Commerce Package allows Manipulating User-Controlled Variables.This issue affects E-Commerce Package: through 27112025. [CVSS 6.3 MEDIUM]
Missing certificate validation in SolaX solar inverter MQTT connections to Alibaba Cloud. Devices accept any server certificate, enabling MITM attacks on solar energy infrastructure.
Authentication bypass in AdForest WordPress theme (all versions through 6.0.12) allows unauthenticated attackers to take over any user account.
Race condition in Apple macOS/iOS symlink handling allows privilege escalation. Fixed in macOS Tahoe 26.3, macOS Sonoma 14.8.4, iOS 18.7.5.
iOS and iPadOS devices with physical access vulnerabilities allow attackers to bypass authorization controls and access sensitive user information on locked devices through improper state management. The flaw affects multiple iOS versions including 18.7.5 and earlier, requiring only physical access to the device with no user interaction or elevated privileges. Apple has issued patches in iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, though updates for earlier versions (iOS 18.7.5 and iPadOS 18.7.5) are also available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved validation. This issue is fixed in iOS 18.7.5 and iPadOS 18.7.5, Safari 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3. [CVSS 3.3 LOW]
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32092