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 (7873)
The WooCommerce Wishlist (High customization, fast setup,Free Elementor Wishlist, most features) plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
The Event Tickets and Registration plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Insecure Direct Object Reference in all versions up to, and including, 5.18.1 via the tc-order-id parameter due to missing. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Authentication bypass by spoofing in Azure AI Face Service allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing authorization in Microsoft Account allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Origin Validation in WebSockets vulnerability in FLXEON. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
snowflake-connector-nodejs is a NodeJS driver for Snowflake. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Insecure permissions in RuoYi v4.8.0 allows authenticated attackers to escalate privileges by assigning themselves higher level roles. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
RuoYi v4.8.0 was discovered to allow unauthorized attackers to view the session ID of the admin in the system monitoring. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Zohocorp ManageEngine Applications Manager versions 174000 and prior are vulnerable to the incorrect authorization in the update user function. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in DTEX DEC-M (DTEX Forwarder) 6.1.1. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Epss exploitation probability 10.5% and no vendor patch available.
In shouldSkipForInitialSUW of AdvancedPowerUsageDetail.java, there is a possible way to bypass factory reset protections due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A Local Code Execution Vulnerability exists in the product and version listed above. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the web-based management interface of HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer could allow an authenticated low privilege operator user to perform operations not allowed by their. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the web-based management interface of HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An attacker can bypass the sandboxing of Nasal scripts and arbitrarily write to any file path that the user has permission to modify at the operating-system level. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
A flaw was found in OpenShift Service Mesh 2.6.3 and 2.5.6. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A flaw was found in Infinispan, when using JGroups with JDBC_PING. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Linux contains a vulnerability which could allow an attacker unauthorized access to files. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Anubis is a tool that allows administrators to protect bots against AI scrapers through bot-checking heuristics and a proof-of-work challenge to discourage scraping from multiple IP addresses. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
A logging issue was addressed with improved data redaction. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed with improved access restrictions to the file system. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authentication issue was addressed with improved state management. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An access issue was addressed with additional sandbox restrictions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An access issue was addressed with additional sandbox restrictions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed through improved state management. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An authentication issue was addressed with improved state management. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed by removing the relevant flags. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved file handling. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A privacy issue was addressed with improved private data redaction for log entries. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
vaultwarden is an unofficial Bitwarden compatible server written in Rust, formerly known as bitwarden_rs. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
IBM Sterling File Gateway 6.0.0.0 through 6.1.2.5 and 6.2.0.0 through 6.2.0.1 could allow an authenticated user to perform unauthorized actions to another user's data due to improper access controls. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Houzez.co Houzez.4.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in NotFound Bridge Core.3. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Rometheme RomethemeKit For Elementor.5.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in CodeSolz Better Find and Replace allows Privilege Escalation.6.7. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in LearnDash LearnDash LMS allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.20.0.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in NotFound Admin and Site Enhancements (ASE) Pro allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.6.1.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authentication Bypass by Spoofing vulnerability in BestWebSoft Google Captcha allows Identity Spoofing.78. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Sprout Invoices Client Invoicing by Sprout Invoices allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.8.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in UkrSolution Print Barcode Labels for your WooCommerce products/orders.4.10. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in David F. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Haptiq picu - Online Photo Proofing Gallery allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.4.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Marian Kanev Cab fare calculator allows Stored XSS.1. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Benjamin Piwowarski PAPERCITE allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.5.18. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Saul Morales Pacheco Donate visa allows Stored XSS.0.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Blokhaus Minterpress allows Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs.0.5. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Houzez.co Houzez.4.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in BdThemes Ultimate Store Kit Elementor Addons allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.3.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in needyamin image_gallery 1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The Zox News theme for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data that can lead to privilege escalation due to a missing capability check on the 'backup_options' and. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Develocity (formerly Gradle Enterprise) before 2024.3.1 allows an attacker who has network access to a Develocity server to obtain the hashed password of the system user. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
The Quiz Maker Business, Developer, and Agency plugins for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'ays_save_google_credentials' function. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Boom Fest plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'bf_admin_action' function in all versions up to, and including, 2.2.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
The Youzify - BuddyPress Community, User Profile, Social Network & Membership Plugin for WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access due to a missing capability check on the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Youzify - BuddyPress Community, User Profile, Social Network & Membership Plugin for WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized access due to a missing capability check on the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The GoHero Store Customizer for WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the wooh_action_settings_save_frontend(). Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Youzify - BuddyPress Community, User Profile, Social Network & Membership Plugin for WordPress plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized loss of data due to a missing capability check on. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SunGrow WiNet-SV200.001.00.P027 and earlier versions contains hardcoded MQTT credentials that allow an attacker to send arbitrary commands to an arbitrary inverter. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SunGrow WiNet-SV200.001.00.P027 and earlier versions contains a hardcoded password that can be used to decrypt all firmware updates. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
User Interface (UI) Misrepresentation of Critical Information in Microsoft Edge (Chromium-based) allows an unauthorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Kadence WP Gutenberg Blocks by Kadence Blocks allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.3.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in GoDaddy CoBlocks allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.1.13. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ExactMetrics ExactMetrics allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.1.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Metaphor Creations Post Duplicator allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.35. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ThimPress Thim Elementor Kit allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.2.8. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Arshid WooCommerce Quick View allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.1.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Yehi Advanced Notifications allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.2.7. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Gagan Sandhu , Enej Bajgoric , CTLT DEV, UBC People Lists allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.3.10. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in mikemmx Super Block Slider allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.7.9. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in webraketen Internal Links Manager allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.5.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Revmakx WP Duplicate - WordPress Migration Plugin allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.1.6. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in wpase.com Admin and Site Enhancements (ASE) allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.6.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in silverplugins217 Build Private Store For Woocommerce allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Marco Almeida | Webdados Taxonomy/Term and Role based Discounts for WooCommerce allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in ElementInvader ElementInvader Addons for Elementor allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.3.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Foliovision FV Thoughtful Comments allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.3.5. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Vikas Ratudi VForm allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.0.5. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WC Product Table WooCommerce Product Table Lite allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.8.7. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Speedcomp Linet ERP-Woocommerce Integration allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.5.7. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in NinjaTeam GDPR CCPA Compliance Support allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.7.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in JS Morisset JSM Show Post Metadata allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.6.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Patreon Patreon WordPress allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.9.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Code for Recovery 12 Step Meeting List allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.16.5. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Epsiloncool WP Fast Total Search allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.78.258. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In some circumstances, debug artifacts uploaded by the CodeQL Action after a failed code scanning workflow run may contain the environment variables from the workflow run, including any secrets that. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in JoeyBling bootplus up to 247d5f6c209be1a5cf10cd0fa18e1d8cc63cf55d. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Coolify is an open-source and self-hostable tool for managing servers, applications, and databases. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 7873