CVE-2025-40554CWE-1390

SolarWinds Web Help Desk Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

Critical · published January 28, 2026

Patch now

High probability of exploitation

CVSS calls it critical at 9.8. It sits in the 99.1th percentile for exploit probability.

CVSS v3.1
9.8
EPSS
61%
Percentile
99.1
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

🚨 An authentication bypass in SolarWinds Web Help Desk could let attackers invoke actions they shouldn't, like an unauthorized guest slipping past security into a high-stakes meeting! 🔥 Think of it like a poorly secured event where anyone with a fake name tag can stroll right in — the real attendees have no idea someone is misrepresenting themselves. This flaw allows malicious users to access areas and functions they shouldn't be touching at all. If exploited, the consequences could be absolutely devastating: attackers could manipulate tickets or access sensitive user data without anyone catching on. This isn't just a prank; it could lead to data leaks or even service interruptions that impact your entire organization!

Put simply

Think of it like a poorly secured event where anyone with a fake name tag can stroll right in — the real attendees have no idea someone is misrepresenting themselves. This flaw allows malicious users to access areas and functions they shouldn't be touching at all. This vulnerability allows unauthorized users to bypass authentication checks, permitting them to perform specific actions within the Web Help Desk application without valid credentials. Essentially, it’s a hole in the security that lets intruders act within the system as if they have legitimate access.

What to do

If exploited, the consequences could be absolutely devastating: attackers could manipulate tickets or access sensitive user data without anyone catching on. This isn't just a prank; it could lead to data leaks or even service interruptions that impact your entire organization! Immediately apply the patch provided by SolarWinds to fix this vulnerability. Ensure your Web Help Desk is running the latest version and review your access controls to make sure they align with security best practices. Regularly audit user permissions to prevent similar issues in the future. You've got this! With a quick update, you'll reinforce your defenses and keep your system safe. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS v3.1
9.8 · CRITICAL
Vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.60642 · 99.1th percentile
Weakness
CWE-1390 · Weak Authentication
Published
2026-01-28T07:36Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 28 JAN 07:36Z
    SolarWinds Web Help Desk Authentication Bypass Vulnerability
    cvelistv5