CVE-2023-48228
CVE-2023-48228 is a high-severity vulnerability in Goauthentik Authentik with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-287.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
- EPSS exploit prediction: 1% (65th percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-287
- Affected product: Goauthentik Authentik
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
authentik is an open-source identity provider. When initialising a oauth2 flow with a `code_challenge` and `code_method` (thus requesting PKCE), the single sign-on provider (authentik) must check if there is a matching and existing `code_verifier` during the token step. Prior to versions 2023.10.4 and 2023.8.5, authentik checks if the contents of `code_verifier` is matching only when it is provided. When it is left out completely, authentik simply accepts the token request with out it; even when the flow was started with a `code_challenge`. authentik 2023.8.5 and 2023.10.4 fix this issue.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2023-48228?
- authentik is an open-source identity provider. When initialising a oauth2 flow with a `code_challenge` and `code_method` (thus requesting PKCE), the single sign-on provider (authentik) must check if there is a matching and existing `code_verifier` during the token step. Prior to versions 2023.10.4 and 2023.8.5, authentik checks if the contents of `code_verifier` is matching only when it is provided. When it is left out completely, authentik simply accepts the token request with out it; even when the flow was started with a `code_challenge`. authentik 2023.8.5 and 2023.10.4 fix this issue.
- How severe is CVE-2023-48228?
- CVE-2023-48228 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
- Is CVE-2023-48228 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 1% (65th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2023-48228?
- CVE-2023-48228 affects Goauthentik Authentik. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2023-48228?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2023-48228 published?
- CVE-2023-48228 was published on 2023-11-21 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik/blob/dd4e9030b4e667d3720be2feda24c08972602274/authentik/providers/oauth2/views/token.py#L225
- https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik/commit/3af77ab3821fe9c7df8055ba5eade3d1ecea03a6
- https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik/commit/6b9afed21f7c39f171a4a445654cfe415bba37d5
- https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik/commit/b88e39411c12e3f9e04125a7887f12354f760a14
- https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik/pull/7666
- https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik/pull/7668
- https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik/pull/7669
- https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik/releases/tag/version%2F2023.10.4
- https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik/releases/tag/version%2F2023.8.5
- https://github.com/goauthentik/authentik/security/advisories/GHSA-fm34-v8xq-f2c3
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:goauthentik:authentik:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
More vulnerabilities in Goauthentik Authentik
- CVE-2026-49448 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): authentik is an open-source identity provider. Prior to versions 2025.12.6, 2026.2.4, and 2026.5.1, the Source stage…
- CVE-2024-52289 — Critical (CVSS 9.8): authentik is an open-source identity provider. Redirect URIs in the OAuth2 provider in authentik are checked by RegEx…
- CVE-2025-52553 — Critical (CVSS 9.6): authentik is an open-source identity provider. After authorizing access to a RAC endpoint, authentik creates a token…
- CVE-2023-46249 — Critical (CVSS 9.6): authentik is an open-source Identity Provider. Prior to versions 2023.8.4 and 2023.10.2, when the default admin user…
- CVE-2022-23555 — Critical (CVSS 9.4): authentik is an open-source Identity Provider focused on flexibility and versatility. Versions prior to 2022.11.4 and…
- CVE-2026-42849 — Critical (CVSS 9.3): authentik is an open-source identity provider. Prior to versions 2025.12.5 and 2026.2.3, due to the implementation of…
All CVEs affecting Goauthentik Authentik →
Other CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) vulnerabilities
- CVE-2026-45480 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper authentication in Azure Active Directory allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
- CVE-2026-46389 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): UDS Identity Config builds the Keycloak configuration image (realm, plugins, theme, truststore, JARs) consumed by UDS…
- CVE-2026-10611 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): An authentication bypass vulnerability exists in MISP when LDAP mixed authentication is enabled with OTP enforcement.…
- CVE-2026-47280 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper authentication in Azure Resource Manager (ARM) allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a…
- CVE-2026-42822 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): Improper authentication in Azure Local Disconnected Operations allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges…
- CVE-2026-20182 — Critical (CVSS 10.0): May 2026: This security advisory provides the details and fix information for a vulnerability that was discovered and…
Browse all CWE-287 (Improper Authentication) vulnerabilities →