CWE-305: Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness
The authentication algorithm is sound, but the implemented mechanism can be bypassed as the result of a separate weakness that is primary to the authentication error.
View on MITRETechnical Details
- Structure
- Simple
Applicable To
Security Consequences
Scope
Impact
Mitigation Strategies
No mitigation information available for this CWE.
Detection Methods
No detection method information available for this CWE.
Code Examples & CVEs
Observed CVE Examples (3)
The provided password is only compared against the first character of the real password.
View DetailsThe password is not properly checked, which allows remote attackers to bypass access controls by sending a 1-byte password that matches the first character of the real password.
View DetailsChain: Forum software does not properly initialize an array, which inadvertently sets the password to a single character, allowing remote attackers to easily guess the password and gain administrative privileges.
View DetailsCWE Relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CWE-305: Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness?+
CWE-305: Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness is a Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) entry maintained by MITRE. The authentication algorithm is sound, but the implemented mechanism can be bypassed as the result of a separate weakness that is primary to the authentication error.
What are the security consequences of Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness?+
If exploited, CWE-305 (Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness) it can compromise Access Control, leading to outcomes such as Bypass Protection Mechanism.
Which programming languages are affected by Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness?+
CWE-305 commonly affects Not Language-Specific. Note that weaknesses are often language-agnostic patterns, so secure coding practices apply broadly.
What are real-world examples of Authentication Bypass by Primary Weakness?+
MITRE documents real CVEs mapped to CWE-305, including CVE-2002-1374, CVE-2000-0979 and CVE-2001-0088. You can look up the full details of each CVE, including CVSS scores and remediation guidance, on our CVE Lookup tool.
What is the difference between a CWE and a CVE?+
A CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) like CWE-305 describes a category of software weakness — the underlying flaw type. A CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) identifies a specific, real-world vulnerability in a particular product. In short, a CWE is the kind of mistake, and a CVE is an instance of that mistake being found in software.