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 (32100)
Privilege escalation via broken authorization in WeKan (the open-source kanban board) before 8.19 lets users holding read-only board roles modify cards, lists, and swimlanes that should require write access. The flaw stems from card/list/swimlane update API routes calling a read-level access check instead of a write-level check, letting a low-privileged but authenticated member tamper with data they should only be able to view. There is no public exploit identified at time of analysis and EPSS is negligible (0.01%), but the fix is confirmed in an upstream commit and the CVSS 4.0 base score is 7.1.
Cross-board data tampering in WeKan (open-source Trello-style kanban board) before version 8.19 lets an authenticated low-privileged user manipulate checklists on cards belonging to boards they should not access. The checklist creation, deletion, and related REST routes accept a cardId without confirming it belongs to the supplied boardId, so an attacker can forge identifiers to add or remove checklists on other users' cards. No public exploit identified at time of analysis, and EPSS is negligible (0.01%), but the vendor fix commit confirms the root cause and a straightforward exploitation path.
Cross-board data tampering in WeKan (the open-source Trello-style kanban board) before version 8.19 lets an authenticated low-privilege user attach checklists to cards on boards they do not own by supplying a mismatched cardId/boardId pair. Because the checklist creation routes never confirm the card actually belongs to the referenced board, any logged-in user can manipulate identifiers to write into other users' boards. No public exploit is identified at time of analysis and EPSS exploitation probability is negligible (0.01%), but the fix is confirmed by an upstream vendor commit.
Improper authorization in the WeKan attachment upload API (versions prior to 8.19) lets an authenticated low-privileged user submit inconsistent object identifiers (boardId, cardId, swimlaneId, listId) that the server fails to cross-validate, allowing attachments to be associated with or moved across card/board relationships the user should not control. The affected component is the self-hosted open-source kanban platform WeKan; the fix (commit 1d16955b) adds server-side checks that a card actually belongs to the named board, swimlane, and list. No public exploit identified at time of analysis, EPSS is negligible (0.01%), and it is not in CISA KEV.
Advanced Country Blocker (WordPress plugin) versions up to 2.3.1 contains a security vulnerability (CVSS 5.3).
DBPower C300 HD Camera contains a configuration disclosure vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to retrieve sensitive credentials through an unprotected configuration backup endpoint. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
ACE Security WiP-90113 HD Camera contains a configuration disclosure vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to retrieve sensitive configuration files. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
AMSS++ 4.7 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows attackers to access administrative accounts using hardcoded credentials. Attackers can log in with the default admin username and password '1234' to gain unauthorized administrative access to the system. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
3DP-MANAGER for 3x-ui has hard-coded credentials (CVSS 9.8) in version 2.0.1 that provide automatic access to the management interface.
Trilium Notes is an open-source, cross-platform hierarchical note taking application with focus on building large personal knowledge bases. [CVSS 7.4 HIGH]
DeepAudit is a multi-agent system for code vulnerability discovery. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Smart Pixelator 2.0's Bluetooth Low Energy interface lacks proper authentication controls, allowing unauthenticated attackers on the local network to manipulate device functionality and potentially compromise confidentiality and integrity. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and the vendor has not provided a patch despite early notification.
Authentication bypass in the Keylime registrar (versions 7.12.0 and later) lets unauthenticated network attackers perform administrative actions because the registrar fails to enforce client-side mutual TLS. Attackers connecting without a client certificate can list registered agents, read public TPM data, and delete agents - undermining the integrity of the remote-attestation trust chain. EPSS is low (0.04%, 11th percentile) and there is no public exploit identified at time of analysis, but the flaw is trivially reachable (CVSS 9.8) and patched across Red Hat and SUSE channels.
PlaciPy placement management system 1.0.0 uses a hard-coded password, allowing any attacker who discovers it to gain full system access.
Unauthenticated attackers can bypass public link scope verification in OpenCloud Reva versions prior to 2.42.3 and 2.40.3 through a flaw in GRPC authorization middleware. By exploiting the archiver service, an attacker can create archives containing all resources accessible to the public link creator, resulting in unauthorized information disclosure. A patch is available in versions 2.42.3 and 2.40.3.
OpenProject versions prior to 17.0.2 fail to validate meeting section ownership during drag-and-drop operations, allowing authenticated users to inject agenda items into unrelated meetings. While attackers cannot access unauthorized meeting content, they can add arbitrary agenda items to other meetings to cause confusion or disrupt meeting organization. A patch is available in version 17.0.2.
Gogs versions 0.13.3 and earlier fail to enforce write permissions on the repository contents endpoint, allowing attackers with read-only access to modify files, create commits, and execute git push operations. An authenticated user possessing only read permissions can bypass authorization checks and gain unauthorized write access to repository contents. This affects self-hosted Gogs instances and has no patch currently available for affected versions.
Gophish <=0.12.1 is vulnerable to Incorrect Access Control. The administrative dashboard exposes each user’s long-lived API key directly inside the rendered HTML/JavaScript of the page on every login. [CVSS 7.6 HIGH]
Gogs is an open source self-hosted Git service. In version 0.13.3 and prior, Gogs’ 2FA recovery code validation does not scope codes by user, enabling cross-account bypass. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Identity authentication bypass vulnerability in the window module. Impact: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may affect service confidentiality. [CVSS 5.9 MEDIUM]
WP Duplicate WordPress plugin has a missing authorization vulnerability leading to arbitrary file deletion that can destroy the WordPress installation.
Collabora Online is a collaborative online office suite based on LibreOffice technology. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
Azure Arc Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability [CVSS 8.6 HIGH]
Tanium addressed an improper access controls vulnerability in Reputation. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Tanium addressed an improper input validation vulnerability in Deploy. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Tanium addressed an improper access controls vulnerability in Deploy. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Tanium addressed an improper access controls vulnerability in Patch. [CVSS 4.3 MEDIUM]
Tanium addressed an improper certificate validation vulnerability in Tanium Appliance. [CVSS 3.7 LOW]
Tanium addressed an improper access controls vulnerability in Interact. [CVSS 3.1 LOW]
Command execution in pgAdmin 4 server mode allows authenticated attackers to bypass restore operation restrictions by extracting the restrict key during PLAIN-format dump file operations and injecting malicious payloads to re-enable meta-commands. An attacker with web interface access can race the restore process in real time to achieve reliable code execution on the pgAdmin host. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
The Greenshift animation and page builder plugin for WordPress (up to version 12.6) fails to properly validate user capabilities on the greenshift_app_pass_validation() function, allowing authenticated subscribers and above to extract sensitive plugin configuration including stored AI API keys and inject malicious scripts through the custom_css setting. This combination of information disclosure and stored cross-site scripting (XSS) requires only valid WordPress user credentials to exploit, with a partial patch available in version 12.6.
WeKan versions up to 8.20 contain an authorization bypass in the position history tracking functionality that allows authenticated remote attackers to access sensitive information without proper permissions. The vulnerability exists in the server/methods/positionHistory.js file and can be exploited by any user with login credentials. Upgrading to version 8.21 or later resolves this issue.
Wacom WTabletService 6.6.7-3 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability that allows local attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. Attackers can insert an executable file in the service path to run unauthorized code when the service restarts or the system reboots. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
OpenSlides versions prior to 4.2.29 allow unauthorized authentication bypass for SAML-synchronized users through the local login form by using the victim's username with a hardcoded trivial password. An attacker can gain complete access to any SAML user account without knowing their actual credentials, potentially compromising sensitive assembly management data including agendas, motions, and election information. A patch is available in version 4.2.29 and should be applied immediately to all affected instances.
The Microsoft Entra ID SSO Login module for Drupal before version 1.0.4 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to escalate privileges through an alternate authentication channel. An attacker can exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access with elevated permissions on affected Drupal installations. No patch is currently available, and the vulnerability has low exploit probability (EPSS 0.1%).
Bambuddy 3D printer management system has missing authentication (CVSS 9.8) allowing unauthenticated access to printer control and print archive.
Stored XSS in Cisco Prime Infrastructure's web management interface allows authenticated administrators to inject malicious scripts that execute in other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking or sensitive data theft. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation on specific data fields and requires valid admin credentials to exploit. No patch is currently available.
A vulnerability has been discovered in eladmin v2.7 and before. This vulnerability allows for an arbitrary user password reset under any user permission level. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Unauthenticated attackers can manipulate WooCommerce order statuses through an authorization bypass in the Fortis for WooCommerce plugin (versions up to 1.2.0), allowing them to fraudulently mark orders as paid without receiving payment. The vulnerability stems from an inverted nonce validation check in the payment notification handler that fails to properly authenticate requests. This affects all WordPress sites running the vulnerable plugin and has no available patch.
The Magic Import Document Extractor plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the ajax_sync_usage() function in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.4. [CVSS 5.3 MEDIUM]
The SEO Flow by LupsOnline plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the checkBlogAuthentication() and checkCategoryAuthentication() functions in all versions up to, and including, 2.2.1. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Loyalty Points and Rewards for WooCommerce versions up to 5.6.0. is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
The Xendit Payment plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized order status manipulation in all versions up to, and including, 6.0.2. This is due to the plugin exposing a publicly accessible WooCommerce API callback endpoint (`wc_xendit_callback`) that processes payment callbacks without any authentication or cryptographic verification that the requests originate from Xendit's payment gateway. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to mark any WooCommerce order as paid by...
Android versions up to 13.0 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass the persistence configuration of the application (CVSS 6.1).
Android versions up to 14.0 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to interrupt its functioning (CVSS 5.5).
Unrestricted file upload in Bolo Solo up to version 2.6.4 allows authenticated remote attackers to upload arbitrary files via the FreeMarker Template Handler component. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and the vendor has not yet released a patch despite early notification. An attacker with valid credentials can achieve limited confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
Synectix LAN 232 TRIO serial-to-ethernet adapter exposes its web management interface without authentication (CVSS 10.0), enabling unauthenticated control of serial devices.
MOMA Seismic Station v2.4.2520 exposes its web management interface without authentication, allowing unauthenticated control of seismological monitoring equipment.
Fastify versions before 5.7.2 allow attackers to bypass request body validation by injecting a tab character into the Content-Type header, enabling malicious payloads to reach application logic without validation checks. This remote attack requires no authentication and affects Node.js applications using vulnerable Fastify versions. A patch is available in version 5.7.2 and later.
Qwik JavaScript framework prior to 1.19.0 has a prototype pollution vulnerability that can lead to server-side code execution in SSR applications.
Avation Light Engine Pro exposes its configuration and control interface without any authentication or access control.
Authorization bypass in EspoCRM 5.8.5 lets an authenticated low-privilege user reuse or manipulate Basic-Authorization and Espo-Authorization tokens to authenticate as a different user, including administrators, and inherit their privileges. The flaw stems from the login path never binding an auth token to its owning user, so a token valid for one account is accepted for another when passwords collide, also defeating two-factor authentication. Publicly available exploit code exists (Exploit-DB 48376); EPSS is low at 0.35%, and the issue is not listed in CISA KEV.
Netis E1+ version 1.2.32533 contains a hardcoded root account vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to access the device with predefined credentials. Attackers can leverage the embedded root account with a crackable password to gain full administrative access to the network device. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
AdminPando 1.0.1 by Fikir Odalari has a CVSS 10.0 SQL injection in the login functionality allowing complete authentication bypass and database takeover.
Archer Ax53 Firmware versions up to 1.0 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to obtain device credentials through a specially crafted man‑in‑the‑middle (MITM) a (CVSS 8.1).
HCL AION is affected by a Permanent Cookie Containing Sensitive Session Information vulnerability. It is storing sensitive session data in persistent cookies may increase the risk of unauthorized access if the cookies are intercepted or compromised. [CVSS 3.1 LOW]
HCL AION is affected by an Autocomplete HTML Attribute Not Disabled for Password Field vulnerability. This can allow autocomplete on password fields may lead to unintended storage or disclosure of sensitive credentials, potentially increasing the risk of unauthorized access. [CVSS 3.7 LOW]
Open Eclass Platform versions up to 4.2 is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 7.5).
Broken access control in Open eClass Platform versions prior to 4.2 allows authenticated students to create course units, a privilege normally reserved for instructors and administrators. An attacker with valid student credentials can escalate their capabilities within the platform by performing unauthorized administrative actions. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and no patch is currently available.
The Open eClass platform (formerly known as GUnet eClass) is a complete course management system. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Broken access control in Open eClass Platform before version 4.2 allows authenticated students to modify course content that should only be editable by instructors and administrators. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, and no patch is currently available for affected deployments. An attacker with valid student credentials can escalate their privileges to alter course materials and potentially disrupt educational content integrity.
The Open eClass platform (formerly known as GUnet eClass) is a complete course management system. [CVSS 5.0 MEDIUM]
Dokans SaaS e-commerce platform v3.9.2 has a CVSS 10.0 authentication bypass allowing unauthenticated attackers to obtain sensitive application secrets and tenant data.
chetans9 core-php-admin-panel through commit a94a780d6 contains an authentication bypass vulnerability in includes/auth_validate.php. The application sends an HTTP redirect via header(Location:login.php) when a user is not authenticated but fails to call exit() afterward. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
FUXA v1.2.7 has hard-coded JWT credentials (EPSS 4.8%) that allow attackers to forge authentication tokens and bypass all access controls on the SCADA interface.
Aion versions up to 2.0 is affected by incorrect permission assignment for critical resource (CVSS 5.5).
GUnet OpenEclass 1.7.3 stores user credentials in plaintext, allowing administrators to view all registered users' usernames and passwords without encryption. This vulnerability exposes sensitive information and increases the risk of credential theft and unauthorized access. [CVSS 6.5 MEDIUM]
Rapid7 InsightVM before 8.34.0 has a SAML signature verification bypass (CVSS 9.6) allowing attackers to forge authentication assertions and gain unauthorized access.
RustFS is a distributed object storage system built in Rust. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
The Passster WordPress plugin through version 4.2.25 contains an authorization bypass that allows authenticated users to access content protection mechanisms without proper permission validation. An attacker with low-privilege WordPress credentials can circumvent access controls to view protected content that should be restricted. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Element Invader ElementInvader Addons for Elementor elementinvader-addons-for-elementor is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
Mizan Themes Mizan Demo Importer mizan-demo-importer is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
Atarim visual collaboration plugin versions 4.3.1 and earlier contain an access control bypass that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to modify data through improperly configured security levels. The vulnerability affects all installations of the affected plugin and requires no user interaction to exploit. No patch is currently available for this authorization flaw.
Nelio Popups versions 1.3.5 and earlier contain an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows authenticated users to modify popup content without proper access controls. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit misconfigured access control levels to make unauthorized changes to popups. No patch is currently available.
ILLID Share This Image plugin version 2.09 and earlier contains an access control bypass that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to modify content through improperly configured authorization checks. The vulnerability requires no user interaction and can be exploited over the network to alter shared images or related data. No patch is currently available.
Wired Impact Wired Impact Volunteer Management wired-impact-volunteer-management is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
WPElemento Importer through version 0.6.4 contains a missing authorization flaw that allows authenticated users to modify data due to improper access control enforcement. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit this vulnerability to perform unauthorized modifications without requiring user interaction. No patch is currently available for this issue.
Iulia Cazan Latest Post Shortcode latest-post-shortcode is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
sunshinephotocart Sunshine Photo Cart sunshine-photo-cart is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
HT Plugins Extensions For CF7 extensions-for-cf7 is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.3).
Brecht Visual Link Preview versions 2.2.9 and earlier contain an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows authenticated users to access sensitive information they should not have permission to view. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit misconfigured access controls to read confidential data, though they cannot modify or delete information. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Brainstorm Force Spectra ultimate-addons-for-gutenberg is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
Amelia booking plugin versions up to 1.2.38 contain an authorization bypass that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to access sensitive information through improperly configured access control mechanisms. The vulnerability requires no user interaction and can be exploited over the network to disclose confidential data. No patch is currently available.
Wasiliy Strecker / ContestGallery developer Contest Gallery contest-gallery is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
Unauthorized information disclosure in WordPress Strong Testimonials plugin version 3.2.20 and earlier stems from improper access control validation, allowing authenticated users to access sensitive data they should not have permission to view. An attacker with low-privilege WordPress account credentials can exploit this vulnerability to read confidential information without requiring user interaction. Currently, no patch is available for this vulnerability.
Insufficient access control checks in myCred plugin version 2.9.7.3 and earlier allow authenticated users to modify data they should not have permission to change. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit misconfigured security levels to perform unauthorized modifications, though the vulnerability requires legitimate user access and has no currently available patch.
LA-Studio LA-Studio Element Kit for Elementor lastudio-element-kit is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
Themefic Ultimate Addons for Contact Form 7 ultimate-addons-for-contact-form-7 is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
Insufficient access control in Themefic Travelfic Toolkit version 1.3.3 and earlier allows authenticated users to modify data due to improperly configured authorization checks. An attacker with valid credentials can bypass intended permission restrictions to perform unauthorized actions. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
WP Chill Modula Image Gallery modula-best-grid-gallery is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32100