Common Weakness Enumeration

CWE-287

Discouraged

Improper Authentication

Abstraction: Class · Status: Draft

When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.

5964 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.

GHSA-JRMV-H6H9-GCM3

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-07-06 19:24 – Updated: 2025-04-03 21:32
VLAI
Details

It is possible to manipulate the JWT token without the knowledge of the JWT secret and authenticate without valid JWT token as any user. This is happening only in the situation when zOSMF doesn’t have the APAR PH12143 applied. This issue affects: 1.16 versions to 1.19. What happens is that the services using the ZAAS client or the API ML API to query will be deceived into believing the information in the JWT token is valid when it isn’t. It’s possible to use this to persuade the southbound service that different user is authenticated.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2021-4314"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-269",
      "CWE-287"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-01-18T16:15:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "It is possible to manipulate the JWT token without the knowledge of the JWT secret and authenticate without valid JWT token as any user. This is happening only in the situation when zOSMF doesn\u2019t have the APAR PH12143 applied. This issue affects: 1.16 versions to 1.19. What happens is that the services using the ZAAS client or the API ML API to query will be deceived into believing the information in the JWT token is valid when it isn\u2019t. It\u2019s possible to use this to persuade the southbound service that different user is authenticated.",
  "id": "GHSA-jrmv-h6h9-gcm3",
  "modified": "2025-04-03T21:32:47Z",
  "published": "2023-07-06T19:24:07Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-4314"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/zowe/api-layer"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-JRV5-8W28-4265

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-09 06:31 – Updated: 2026-06-09 06:31
VLAI
Details

Spring LDAP's DirContextAuthenticationStrategy implementations do not reject a bind request where a non-empty username is paired with an empty or null password.

Affected versions: Spring LDAP 2.4.0 through 2.4.4; 3.2.0 through 3.2.17; 3.3.0 through 3.3.7; 4.0.0 through 4.0.3.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2026-41720"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-287"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-06-09T05:16:35Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "Spring LDAP\u0027s DirContextAuthenticationStrategy implementations do not reject a bind request where a non-empty username is paired with an empty or null password.\n\nAffected versions:\nSpring LDAP 2.4.0 through 2.4.4; 3.2.0 through 3.2.17; 3.3.0 through 3.3.7; 4.0.0 through 4.0.3.",
  "id": "GHSA-jrv5-8w28-4265",
  "modified": "2026-06-09T06:31:57Z",
  "published": "2026-06-09T06:31:57Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-41720"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://spring.io/security/cve-2026-41720"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-JV46-XFWM-36J7

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-06-26 21:05 – Updated: 2026-06-26 21:05
VLAI
Summary
Relyra SAML SignatureValue not cryptographically verified -> authentication bypass
Details

Summary

Relyra 1.0.0 and 1.1.0 accept forged SAML signatures because SignatureValue was not cryptographically verified before the library returned a successful authentication result.

Details

In 1.0.0 and 1.1.0, the XMLDSig trust boundary was incomplete. :public_key.verify over the exclusive-C14N canonicalized SignedInfo was not performed against the configured IdP certificate's public key, DigestValue was not recomputed over the canonicalized referenced element, and canonicalize/2 remained an unused passthrough in the signature-verification path. The result was a structure-only acceptance path where document shape and trust-source rejection could succeed without proving the signature bytes.

Impact

A forged SignatureValue carrying an attacker-controlled NameID can be accepted as {:ok}. Any relying-party application using Relyra 1.0.0 or 1.1.0 can be logged into as an arbitrary user if it trusts the affected response path.

Patches

Relyra 1.2.0 closes the gap with real exclusive-C14N canonicalization, :public_key.verify against the configured IdP certificate's public key, and a constant-time DigestValue recompute/compare bound to the exact consumed node on both verify/4 and verify_metadata_root/4.

Workarounds

There is no safe configuration of 1.0.0 or 1.1.0. Upgrade to 1.2.0 or later.

Resources

  • Fix commit 2e45689 (wire real XMLDSig crypto into the candidate arm)
  • Fix commit 8910200 (close metadata trust bypass, pin over DER)
  • Regression proof: test/security/xml/adversarial_crypto_test.exs, test/relyra/metadata/auto_refresh_test.exs, test/security/ci_gate_integrity_test.exs
Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "Hex",
        "name": "relyra"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "1.0.0"
            },
            {
              "fixed": "1.2.0"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2026-49454"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-287",
      "CWE-347"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2026-06-26T21:05:13Z",
    "nvd_published_at": "2026-06-18T21:16:29Z",
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "## Summary\n\nRelyra `1.0.0` and `1.1.0` accept forged SAML signatures because `SignatureValue` was not cryptographically verified before the library returned a successful authentication result.\n\n## Details\n\nIn `1.0.0` and `1.1.0`, the XMLDSig trust boundary was incomplete. `:public_key.verify` over the exclusive-C14N canonicalized `SignedInfo` was not performed against the configured IdP certificate\u0027s public key, `DigestValue` was not recomputed over the canonicalized referenced element, and `canonicalize/2` remained an unused passthrough in the signature-verification path. The result was a structure-only acceptance path where document shape and trust-source rejection could succeed without proving the signature bytes.\n\n## Impact\n\nA forged `SignatureValue` carrying an attacker-controlled `NameID` can be accepted as `{:ok}`. Any relying-party application using Relyra `1.0.0` or `1.1.0` can be logged into as an arbitrary user if it trusts the affected response path.\n\n## Patches\n\nRelyra `1.2.0` closes the gap with real exclusive-C14N canonicalization, `:public_key.verify` against the configured IdP certificate\u0027s public key, and a constant-time `DigestValue` recompute/compare bound to the exact consumed node on both `verify/4` and `verify_metadata_root/4`.\n\n## Workarounds\n\nThere is no safe configuration of `1.0.0` or `1.1.0`. Upgrade to `1.2.0` or later.\n\n## Resources\n\n- Fix commit `2e45689` (wire real XMLDSig crypto into the candidate arm)\n- Fix commit `8910200` (close metadata trust bypass, pin over DER)\n- Regression proof: `test/security/xml/adversarial_crypto_test.exs`, `test/relyra/metadata/auto_refresh_test.exs`, `test/security/ci_gate_integrity_test.exs`",
  "id": "GHSA-jv46-xfwm-36j7",
  "modified": "2026-06-26T21:05:13Z",
  "published": "2026-06-26T21:05:13Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/szTheory/relyra/security/advisories/GHSA-jv46-xfwm-36j7"
    },
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-49454"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/szTheory/relyra/commit/2e456897af3158c175bb490ce7fc51d6241c8922"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/szTheory/relyra/commit/8910200"
    },
    {
      "type": "PACKAGE",
      "url": "https://github.com/szTheory/relyra"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "Relyra SAML SignatureValue not cryptographically verified -\u003e authentication bypass"
}

GHSA-JV75-Q996-4QM5

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 05:18 – Updated: 2022-05-17 05:18
VLAI
Details

The web server on the Siemens Scalance S Security Module firewall S602 V2, S612 V2, and S613 V2 with firmware before 2.3.0.3 does not limit the rate of authentication attempts, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a brute-force attack on the administrative password.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2012-1799"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-287"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2012-04-18T10:33:00Z",
    "severity": "HIGH"
  },
  "details": "The web server on the Siemens Scalance S Security Module firewall S602 V2, S612 V2, and S613 V2 with firmware before 2.3.0.3 does not limit the rate of authentication attempts, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access via a brute-force attack on the administrative password.",
  "id": "GHSA-jv75-q996-4qm5",
  "modified": "2022-05-17T05:18:15Z",
  "published": "2022-05-17T05:18:15Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2012-1799"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://osvdb.org/81033"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://support.automation.siemens.com/WW/view/en/59869684"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.siemens.com/corporate-technology/pool/de/forschungsfelder/siemens_security_advisory_ssa-268149.pdf"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://www.us-cert.gov/control_systems/pdf/ICSA-12-102-05.pdf"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-JV75-R4PJ-JCXX

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-06-13 12:30 – Updated: 2024-06-13 12:30
VLAI
Details

Adobe Framemaker Publishing Server versions 2020.3, 2022.2 and earlier are affected by an Improper Authentication vulnerability that could result in privilege escalation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access or elevated privileges within the application. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2024-30299"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-287"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2024-06-13T12:15:09Z",
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "Adobe Framemaker Publishing Server versions 2020.3, 2022.2 and earlier are affected by an Improper Authentication vulnerability that could result in privilege escalation. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access or elevated privileges within the application. Exploitation of this issue does not require user interaction.",
  "id": "GHSA-jv75-r4pj-jcxx",
  "modified": "2024-06-13T12:30:34Z",
  "published": "2024-06-13T12:30:34Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-30299"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://helpx.adobe.com/security/products/framemaker-publishing-server/apsb24-38.html"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-JV7F-8QCF-9C5W

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 04:31 – Updated: 2022-05-17 04:31
VLAI
Details

The Clientless SSL VPN portal customization framework in Cisco ASA Software 8.2 before 8.2(5.51), 8.3 before 8.3(2.42), 8.4 before 8.4(7.23), 8.6 before 8.6(1.14), 9.0 before 9.0(4.24), 9.1 before 9.1(5.12), and 9.2 before 9.2(2.4) does not properly implement authentication, which allows remote attackers to modify RAMFS customization objects via unspecified vectors, as demonstrated by inserting XSS sequences or capturing credentials, aka Bug ID CSCup36829.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2014-3393"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-20",
      "CWE-287"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2014-10-10T10:55:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "The Clientless SSL VPN portal customization framework in Cisco ASA Software 8.2 before 8.2(5.51), 8.3 before 8.3(2.42), 8.4 before 8.4(7.23), 8.6 before 8.6(1.14), 9.0 before 9.0(4.24), 9.1 before 9.1(5.12), and 9.2 before 9.2(2.4) does not properly implement authentication, which allows remote attackers to modify RAMFS customization objects via unspecified vectors, as demonstrated by inserting XSS sequences or capturing credentials, aka Bug ID CSCup36829.",
  "id": "GHSA-jv7f-8qcf-9c5w",
  "modified": "2022-05-17T04:31:07Z",
  "published": "2022-05-17T04:31:07Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2014-3393"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "http://tools.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-20141008-asa"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": []
}

GHSA-JV9M-JP3M-8VJQ

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-10-25 18:32 – Updated: 2024-09-25 12:30
VLAI
Details

Missing authentication in the DeleteAssignments method in IDAttend’s IDWeb application 3.1.052 and earlier allows deletion of data by unauthenticated attackers.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-27261"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-287",
      "CWE-306"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-10-25T18:17:26Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "Missing authentication in the DeleteAssignments         method in IDAttend\u2019s IDWeb application 3.1.052 and earlier allows deletion of data by unauthenticated attackers.  ",
  "id": "GHSA-jv9m-jp3m-8vjq",
  "modified": "2024-09-25T12:30:40Z",
  "published": "2023-10-25T18:32:21Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-27261"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.themissinglink.com.au/security-advisories/cve-2023-27261"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-JVF5-642M-HPC3

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-07-17 15:30 – Updated: 2024-07-17 15:30
VLAI
Details

The SolarWinds Access Rights Manager was found to be susceptible to a pre-authentication remote code execution vulnerability. If exploited, this vulnerability allows an unauthenticated user to run commands and executables.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2024-23470"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-287"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2024-07-17T15:15:12Z",
    "severity": "CRITICAL"
  },
  "details": "The SolarWinds Access Rights Manager was found to be susceptible to a pre-authentication remote code execution vulnerability. If exploited, this vulnerability allows an unauthenticated user to run commands and executables. ",
  "id": "GHSA-jvf5-642m-hpc3",
  "modified": "2024-07-17T15:30:50Z",
  "published": "2024-07-17T15:30:50Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-23470"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://documentation.solarwinds.com/en/success_center/arm/content/release_notes/arm_2024-3_release_notes.htm"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

GHSA-JVQ8-W7QV-HQP6

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-12-28 15:30 – Updated: 2023-01-10 15:46
VLAI
Summary
usememos/memos Improper Authentication vulnerability
Details

usememos/memos 0.9.0 and prior is vulnerable to Improper Authentication.

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [
    {
      "database_specific": {
        "last_known_affected_version_range": "\u003c= 0.9.0"
      },
      "package": {
        "ecosystem": "Go",
        "name": "github.com/usememos/memos"
      },
      "ranges": [
        {
          "events": [
            {
              "introduced": "0"
            },
            {
              "fixed": "0.9.1"
            }
          ],
          "type": "ECOSYSTEM"
        }
      ]
    }
  ],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2022-4799"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-287",
      "CWE-639"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": true,
    "github_reviewed_at": "2022-12-30T19:57:32Z",
    "nvd_published_at": "2022-12-28T14:15:00Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "usememos/memos 0.9.0 and prior is vulnerable to Improper Authentication.",
  "id": "GHSA-jvq8-w7qv-hqp6",
  "modified": "2023-01-10T15:46:13Z",
  "published": "2022-12-28T15:30:45Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-4799"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://github.com/usememos/memos/commit/3556ae4e651d9443dc3bb8a170dd3cc726517a53"
    },
    {
      "type": "PACKAGE",
      "url": "https://github.com/usememos/memos"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://huntr.dev/bounties/c5d70f9d-b7a7-4418-9368-4566a8143e79"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ],
  "summary": "usememos/memos Improper Authentication vulnerability"
}

GHSA-JVR3-FJ9R-5Q66

Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-09-06 18:30 – Updated: 2025-11-04 21:30
VLAI
Details

Tenda N300 Wireless N VDSL2 Modem Router allows unauthenticated access to pages that in turn should be accessible to authenticated users only

Show details on source website

{
  "affected": [],
  "aliases": [
    "CVE-2023-4498"
  ],
  "database_specific": {
    "cwe_ids": [
      "CWE-287",
      "CWE-305"
    ],
    "github_reviewed": false,
    "github_reviewed_at": null,
    "nvd_published_at": "2023-09-06T17:15:50Z",
    "severity": "MODERATE"
  },
  "details": "Tenda N300 Wireless N VDSL2 Modem Router allows unauthenticated access to pages that in turn should be accessible to authenticated users only",
  "id": "GHSA-jvr3-fj9r-5q66",
  "modified": "2025-11-04T21:30:39Z",
  "published": "2023-09-06T18:30:41Z",
  "references": [
    {
      "type": "ADVISORY",
      "url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-4498"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://kb.cert.org/vuls/id/304455"
    },
    {
      "type": "WEB",
      "url": "https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/304455"
    }
  ],
  "schema_version": "1.4.0",
  "severity": [
    {
      "score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N",
      "type": "CVSS_V3"
    }
  ]
}

Mitigation
Architecture and Design

Strategy: Libraries or Frameworks

Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.

CAPEC-114: Authentication Abuse

An attacker obtains unauthorized access to an application, service or device either through knowledge of the inherent weaknesses of an authentication mechanism, or by exploiting a flaw in the authentication scheme's implementation. In such an attack an authentication mechanism is functioning but a carefully controlled sequence of events causes the mechanism to grant access to the attacker.

CAPEC-115: Authentication Bypass

An attacker gains access to application, service, or device with the privileges of an authorized or privileged user by evading or circumventing an authentication mechanism. The attacker is therefore able to access protected data without authentication ever having taken place.

CAPEC-151: Identity Spoofing

Identity Spoofing refers to the action of assuming (i.e., taking on) the identity of some other entity (human or non-human) and then using that identity to accomplish a goal. An adversary may craft messages that appear to come from a different principle or use stolen / spoofed authentication credentials.

CAPEC-194: Fake the Source of Data

An adversary takes advantage of improper authentication to provide data or services under a falsified identity. The purpose of using the falsified identity may be to prevent traceability of the provided data or to assume the rights granted to another individual. One of the simplest forms of this attack would be the creation of an email message with a modified "From" field in order to appear that the message was sent from someone other than the actual sender. The root of the attack (in this case the email system) fails to properly authenticate the source and this results in the reader incorrectly performing the instructed action. Results of the attack vary depending on the details of the attack, but common results include privilege escalation, obfuscation of other attacks, and data corruption/manipulation.

CAPEC-22: Exploiting Trust in Client

An attack of this type exploits vulnerabilities in client/server communication channel authentication and data integrity. It leverages the implicit trust a server places in the client, or more importantly, that which the server believes is the client. An attacker executes this type of attack by communicating directly with the server where the server believes it is communicating only with a valid client. There are numerous variations of this type of attack.

CAPEC-57: Utilizing REST's Trust in the System Resource to Obtain Sensitive Data

This attack utilizes a REST(REpresentational State Transfer)-style applications' trust in the system resources and environment to obtain sensitive data once SSL is terminated.

CAPEC-593: Session Hijacking

This type of attack involves an adversary that exploits weaknesses in an application's use of sessions in performing authentication. The adversary is able to steal or manipulate an active session and use it to gain unathorized access to the application.

CAPEC-633: Token Impersonation

An adversary exploits a weakness in authentication to create an access token (or equivalent) that impersonates a different entity, and then associates a process/thread to that that impersonated token. This action causes a downstream user to make a decision or take action that is based on the assumed identity, and not the response that blocks the adversary.

CAPEC-650: Upload a Web Shell to a Web Server

By exploiting insufficient permissions, it is possible to upload a web shell to a web server in such a way that it can be executed remotely. This shell can have various capabilities, thereby acting as a "gateway" to the underlying web server. The shell might execute at the higher permission level of the web server, providing the ability the execute malicious code at elevated levels.

CAPEC-94: Adversary in the Middle (AiTM)

An adversary targets the communication between two components (typically client and server), in order to alter or obtain data from transactions. A general approach entails the adversary placing themself within the communication channel between the two components.