oauthlib: Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-49272 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in oauthlib, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected oauthlib versions: >= 3.3.0, < 4.0.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.33% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Check which version of oauthlib you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- LowSome restricted data can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
OAuthLib is an implementation of the OAuth request-signing logic for Python 3.6+. From 3.3.0 until 4.0.1, OAuthLib's RFC 8628 device workflow does not require DeviceCodeGrant.validate_token_request to check that the device_code parameter is present and valid. A caller whose client request is accepted by the configured validator and who knows a valid client ID enabled for the device workflow can submit a missing or bogus device code to the token endpoint and obtain a bearer token without completing device authorization. This issue is fixed in version 4.0.1.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other vulnerabilities in oauthlib
- 8.4 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
GPUStack Improper Authentication Exploited
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