better-auth: Improper Authentication
CVE-2026-53514 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in better-auth, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.7 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected better-auth versions: < 1.6.11. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.2% 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 better-auth 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.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better-auth | better-auth | < 1.6.11 | Not stated |
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
- HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (github.com).
Official description
Better Auth is an authentication and authorization library for TypeScript. Prior to 1.6.11, and in 1.6.14 and later when invitation IDs can be obtained outside the invited mailbox and requireEmailVerificationOnInvitation: true is not enabled, the organization plugin's acceptInvitation, rejectInvitation, getInvitation, and listUserInvitations recipient endpoints use session.user.email and an invitation ID without sufficient verified-email ownership proof, allowing a user with an unverified session for the invited email address to accept an organization invitation after obtaining the invitation ID. This issue is fixed for the original default behavior in version 1.6.11, while 1.6.14 restored compatibility for built-in opaque invitation IDs and leaves affected configurations requiring secure options.
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: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Patches and release notes
Other vulnerabilities in better-auth
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.6 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 9.2 Critical severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
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