CVE-2025-53942
The Ghost in the Machine: Deactivated Users Haunt authentik's OAuth/SAML Flows
Amit Schendel
Senior Security ResearcherJan 1, 2026·12 min read·75 visits
Executive Summary (TL;DR)
Deactivated users in authentik aren't really gone. A missing check allows them to continue authorizing applications via OAuth/SAML if they have the direct link. This turns account deactivation into security theater, allowing ex-employees or disabled accounts to waltz back in through the side door.
A critical privilege management flaw exists in authentik, a popular open-source Identity Provider. The vulnerability, CVE-2025-53942, stems from an insufficient check on the 'active' status of a user account during OAuth and SAML authentication flows. This oversight allows users who have been deactivated to retain access to downstream applications, effectively turning them into 'ghost' users who can bypass administrative controls and maintain a persistent foothold in the environment.
Technical Appendix
CVSS Score
7.4/ 10
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:LEPSS Probability
0.07%
Top 100% most exploited
Affected Systems
authentik Identity Provider
Affected Versions Detail
| Product | Affected Versions | Fixed Version |
|---|---|---|
authentik authentik Security | <= 2025.4.3 | 2025.4.4 |
authentik authentik Security | >= 2025.6.0-rc1, < 2025.6.4 | 2025.6.4 |
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| CWE ID | CWE-269 |
| CWE Name | Improper Privilege Management |
| Attack Vector | Network |
| CVSS Score | 7.4 (High) |
| CVSS Vector | CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:L |
| EPSS Score | 0.07% (Probability of exploitation is low) |
| Impact | Unauthorized Access, Information Disclosure, Privilege Persistence |
| Exploit Status | Proof of Concept / Theoretical |
MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
CWE-269
Improper Privilege Management
The software does not properly assign, check, track, or revoke privileges or permissions for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control.
Vulnerability Timeline
Vulnerability discovered by an independent researcher.
2025-05-10
Vendor (authentik Security) privately notified.
2025-05-12
Patches developed and tested.
2025-06-20
Patched versions 2025.4.4 and 2025.6.4 released. Public disclosure and CVE published.
2025-06-25
