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 (32236)
Improper access control in BOX NOW Delivery versions up to 3.0.2 enables authenticated attackers to read sensitive information by bypassing authorization checks. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit misconfigured security levels to access data they are not authorized to view, resulting in confidential information disclosure.
Edwiser Bridge versions 4.3.2 and earlier contain an access control flaw that allows authenticated users to perform unauthorized actions due to improperly configured security levels. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit this vulnerability to gain unintended access to sensitive functions or data. No patch is currently available for this MEDIUM severity vulnerability.
Sully Media Library File Size media-library-file-size is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
WP Travel plugin versions 11.0.0 and earlier contain an access control bypass that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to view sensitive information due to improperly configured authorization checks. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to access restricted data without proper credentials. A patch is not currently available for affected WordPress installations.
briarinc Anything Order by Terms anything-order-by-terms is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
LifePress through version 2.1.3 contains an authorization bypass that allows authenticated users to access resources beyond their assigned permission levels. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit misconfigured access controls to read sensitive information they should not have access to. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
The Ryviu product reviews plugin for WordPress versions 3.1.26 and earlier contains an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows unauthenticated attackers to modify data due to improperly configured access controls. This could enable attackers to manipulate product reviews or other protected functionality without proper authentication. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Improper access control in FluentBoards through version 1.91.1 allows authenticated users to bypass authorization checks and gain unauthorized access to restricted resources. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit misconfigured security levels to view or modify data they should not have permission to access. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Cloudinary Cloudinary cloudinary-image-management-and-manipulation-in-the-cloud-cdn is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
Missing authorization controls in ElementCamp plugin versions through 2.3.2 permit unauthenticated attackers to bypass access restrictions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive functionality. The improper access control implementation allows remote exploitation without authentication or user interaction, potentially exposing protected features and data to unauthorized users. No patch is currently available.
The Monetag Official Plugin for WordPress versions up to 1.1.3 contains an authorization bypass that allows authenticated attackers to exploit misconfigured access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive functionality. An attacker with low-level user privileges can bypass permission checks to read or modify restricted data without proper authorization. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Harmonic Design HD Quiz versions up to 2.0.9 contain an access control vulnerability that allows authenticated users to read sensitive information by exploiting misconfigured security levels. An attacker with valid credentials can bypass authorization checks to access data they should not have permission to view. No patch is currently available for this issue.
Horea Radu Materialis Companion materialis-companion is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
Download After Email versions 2.1.9 and earlier contain a missing authorization vulnerability that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to bypass access control restrictions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive functionality. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of user permissions, enabling attackers on the network to read restricted information without authentication. No patch is currently available for this issue.
Prince Integrate Google Drive integrate-google-drive is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
ABCdatos Protección de datos – RGPD plugin version 0.68 and earlier contains a missing authorization vulnerability that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to bypass access controls and gain unauthorized information disclosure. The misconfigured access control security levels permit exploitation without authentication or user interaction, affecting all users of the vulnerable plugin versions. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
webdevstudios Automatic Featured Images from Videos automatic-featured-images-from-videos is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
UPress Booter versions up to 1.5.7 contain an authorization bypass in the booter-bots-crawlers-manager component that allows authenticated users to exploit misconfigured access controls and gain unauthorized administrative capabilities. An attacker with low-privilege credentials could achieve complete compromise of the application, including confidentiality, integrity, and availability violations. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Incorrect access control in SiteLock Security plugin versions up to 5.0.2 for WordPress allows authenticated users to modify content they should not have permission to access. An attacker with login credentials could exploit misconfigured security levels to bypass authorization checks and alter website data. No patch is currently available.
sheepfish WebP Conversion version 2.1 and earlier contains an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to modify data through improperly configured access controls. The vulnerability affects the webp-conversion component and has a low exploitability score with no patch currently available.
Alejandro Quick Restaurant Reservations quick-restaurant-reservations is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
CloudPanel CLP Varnish Cache versions 1.0.2 and earlier contain a missing authorization vulnerability that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to modify cache content through improperly configured access controls. This could enable cache poisoning attacks or manipulation of cached responses affecting all users accessing the affected service.
Essekia Tablesome versions up to 1.1.35.2 contain an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers to access or modify resources they should not have permission to reach due to misconfigured access controls. The vulnerability requires low attack complexity and network access, potentially exposing sensitive data and allowing unauthorized modifications without authentication bypass. A patch is not currently available, leaving affected users vulnerable to exploitation by authenticated users.
Insufficient access control in MyThemeShop WP Subscribe plugin through version 1.2.16 allows authenticated attackers to bypass authorization checks and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. An attacker with a user account can exploit misconfigured security levels to view data they should not have permission to access. No patch is currently available.
A denial-of-service (DoS) vulnerability exists in google.protobuf.json_format.ParseDict() in Python, where the max_recursion_depth limit can be bypassed when parsing nested google.protobuf.Any messages.
A Birebir product has a CVSS 10.0 authentication bypass through a primary weakness in the password recovery mechanism, allowing complete account takeover without any authentication.
IAQS and I6 by JNC have a missing authentication vulnerability allowing unauthenticated remote attackers to directly access sensitive system functionality.
Dragonfly P2P file distribution system versions 2.4.1-rc.0 and below have a missing authentication vulnerability allowing unauthenticated access to the management API.
An attacker with access to the project file could use the exposed credentials to impersonate users, escalate privileges, or gain unauthorized access to systems and services. [CVSS 6.1 MEDIUM]
This vulnerability occurs when the system permits multiple simultaneous connections to the backend using the same charging station ID. This can result in unauthorized access, data inconsistency, or potential manipulation of charging sessions. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
This vulnerability arises because there are no limitations on the number of authentication attempts a user can make. An attacker can exploit this weakness by continuously sending authentication requests, leading to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Soft Serve self-hosted Git server versions 0.11.2 and below have a critical authentication bypass that allows unauthenticated access to private repositories.
Gitea fails to validate repository ownership when linking attachments to releases, allowing users to attach files from one repository to releases in another.
Gitea's OpenID URI visibility controls lack proper ownership validation, allowing authenticated users to modify the visibility settings of other users' OpenID identities. This integrity bypass affects any Gitea instance where multiple users manage OpenID configurations, enabling account enumeration or information disclosure through unauthorized visibility changes. A patch is available to remediate this medium-severity vulnerability.
Gitea fails to validate repository ownership when deleting Git LFS locks, allowing users with write access to one repo to delete LFS locks in other repositories.
Gitea fails to enforce proper authorization checks when users attempt to cancel scheduled auto-merges through the web interface, allowing any user with pull request read access to cancel merge operations initiated by other users. This authorization bypass could disrupt automated workflows and merge processes across repositories. A patch is available to address this vulnerability.
Gitea's stopwatch API fails to re-validate repository access permissions, allowing revoked users to access sensitive information through active stopwatch sessions. An authenticated attacker with prior access to a private repository can enumerate issue titles and repository names even after their permissions have been removed. A patch is available to enforce proper access control validation.
Gitea does not properly validate project ownership in organization operations, allowing users with project write access to manipulate projects belonging to other organizations.
Gitea fails to properly validate repository ownership when processing attachment deletion requests, allowing an authenticated attacker to delete files from repositories they no longer have access to by routing deletion requests through a different accessible repository. This authorization bypass affects all users who have uploaded attachments to shared repositories and could result in loss of critical project documentation or resources. A patch is available to address this improper access control vulnerability.
An Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability in Hubitat Elevation home automation controller versions up to 2.4.2.157 is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key.
Gitea may send release notification emails for private repositories to users whose access has been revoked. [CVSS 3.5 LOW]
A vulnerability in Palantir's Aries service allowed unauthenticated access to log viewing and management functionality on Apollo instances using default configuration. [CVSS 6.6 MEDIUM]
WPMasterToolKit through version 2.14.0 contains an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows authenticated users to modify data due to improperly enforced access controls. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit this flaw to perform unauthorized actions beyond their intended permission level. A security patch is not currently available.
Arul Prasad J WP Quick Post Duplicator wp-quick-post-duplicator is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
Element Invader Template Kits for Elementor versions up to 1.2.4 contain an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows authenticated users to access resources or functionality beyond their intended permission level. An attacker with valid login credentials could exploit improperly configured access controls to view or manipulate sensitive data. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Metagauss EventPrime eventprime-event-calendar-management is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 8.8).
WP Job Portal has an authorization bypass through user-controlled keys allowing attackers to access other users' job applications and employer data.
BA Book Everything WordPress plugin has a missing authorization vulnerability allowing unauthenticated users to access and modify booking data.
Improper access control in Theme-one The Grid versions prior to 2.8.0 enables authenticated users to bypass authorization checks and gain unauthorized access to sensitive functionality. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit misconfigured security levels to read, modify, or delete data without proper permissions. No patch is currently available.
YITHEMES YITH WooCommerce Request A Quote yith-woocommerce-request-a-quote is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
ExpressTech Systems Quiz And Survey Master quiz-master-next is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 8.8).
Inadequate access control in WP Recipe Maker versions 10.2.4 and earlier allows authenticated users to bypass authorization checks and perform unauthorized actions. An attacker with low-level WordPress credentials could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges and modify sensitive recipe data without proper permissions.
Roxnor GetGenie versions up to 4.3.0 contain an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows authenticated users to exploit misconfigured access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive functionality. An attacker with low-level credentials can escalate privileges to perform confidential data theft, modify critical information, or disrupt service availability. No patch is currently available.
Improper access control in wpeverest User Registration plugin through version 4.4.9 allows authenticated attackers to bypass authorization checks and gain unauthorized access to sensitive functionality. An attacker with low-privilege credentials can exploit misconfigured security levels to perform actions beyond their intended permissions, potentially exposing or modifying user registration data. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Uxper Golo versions prior to 1.7.5 contain an access control bypass that allows authenticated attackers to exploit improperly configured security levels to gain unauthorized access to sensitive functions and data. An attacker with valid credentials can leverage this missing authorization check to escalate privileges and perform administrative actions without proper permission validation. No patch is currently available for this high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 8.8).
Rasedul Haque Rumi BD Courier Order Ratio Checker bd-courier-order-ratio-checker is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 8.8).
Missing authorization controls in Easy Form Builder versions 3.9.6 and earlier enable authenticated attackers to exploit improperly configured access restrictions and gain unauthorized capabilities. An attacker with valid credentials can bypass intended security boundaries to read, modify, or delete form data and configurations they should not have access to. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability affecting the Easy Form Builder plugin.
AbsolutePlugins Absolute Addons For Elementor absolute-addons is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 4.3).
Mikado-Themes Wanderland version 1.5 and earlier contains an authorization bypass that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to access restricted functionality due to improperly configured access controls. The vulnerability enables information disclosure with no patch currently available.
The Don Peppe WordPress theme version 1.3 and earlier contains inadequate access control validation that permits authenticated users to access sensitive information they should not have permission to view. An attacker with valid login credentials could exploit this misconfiguration to retrieve confidential data, though the impact is limited to information disclosure without the ability to modify or delete content.
Select-Themes Prowess through version 1.8.1 contains an authorization bypass vulnerability that allows unauthenticated remote attackers to access sensitive information due to improperly configured access controls. An attacker can exploit this flaw to read confidential data without requiring authentication or user interaction. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
The Apimo Connector plugin for WordPress versions 2.6.4 and earlier contains an authorization bypass that allows unauthenticated attackers to access sensitive information through improperly configured access controls. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability over the network without user interaction to read confidential data from the affected application. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
Mikado-Themes Verdure verdure is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
Elated-Themes Sweet Jane sweetjane is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
Mikado-Themes Dolcino dolcino is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
Mikado-Themes Justicia justicia is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
Mikado-Themes Roam through version 2.1.1 contains an authorization bypass vulnerability where attackers with valid user credentials can manipulate access control mechanisms to gain unauthorized access to sensitive functionality. This authentication-required vulnerability allows authenticated users to circumvent properly configured security levels through user-controlled parameters. No patch is currently available for this issue.
Mikado-Themes Overton overton is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
Mikado-Themes Innovio innovio is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
Mikado-Themes Holmes holmes is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
Mikado-Themes Fleur fleur is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
Mikado-Themes Fiorello fiorello is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
Mikado-Themes Curly curly is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
Mikado-Themes Cocco cocco is affected by authorization bypass through user-controlled key (CVSS 5.4).
Tasos Fel Civic Cookie Control civic-cookie-control-8 is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.3).
Powerscale Onefs versions up to 9.13.0.0 is affected by improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts (CVSS 8.1).
NSquared Simply Schedule Appointments simply-schedule-appointments is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 6.5).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in WPXPO PostX ultimate-post allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects PostX: from n/a through <= 5.0.3. [CVSS 7.5 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Broadstreet Broadstreet Ads broadstreet allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Broadstreet Ads: from n/a through <= 1.52.1. [CVSS 7.6 HIGH]
Leap13 Premium Addons for Elementor premium-addons-for-elementor is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 5.4).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in e-plugins Real Estate Pro real-estate-pro allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Real Estate Pro: from n/a through <= 2.1.5. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in e-plugins ListingHub listinghub allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects ListingHub: from n/a through <= 1.2.7. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in e-plugins Listihub listihub allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Listihub: from n/a through <= 1.0.6. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in e-plugins fitness-trainer fitness-trainer allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects fitness-trainer: from n/a through <= 1.7.1. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
Missing Authorization vulnerability in e-plugins Final User final-user allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Final User: from n/a through <= 1.2.5. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
e-plugins Hospital Doctor Directory hospital-doctor-directory is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 7.3).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in e-plugins Hotel Listing hotel-listing allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Hotel Listing: from n/a through <= 1.4.2. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
e-plugins Institutions Directory institutions-directory is affected by missing authorization (CVSS 7.3).
Missing Authorization vulnerability in e-plugins Lawyer Directory lawyer-directory allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Lawyer Directory: from n/a through <= 1.3.4. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
Workreap Core WordPress plugin has an authentication bypass allowing unauthenticated users to access protected functionality through an alternate authentication path.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- CRITICAL
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 32236