CVE-2026-57178: Auth Bypass (CVSS 7.4)

Description

Python Social Auth is a social authentication/registration mechanism. Prior to version 5.0.0, the `vk-app` backend accepted VK application callback data without verifying the callback signature when the `auth_key` parameter was omitted. Applications using this backend could treat unsigned attacker-controlled data as a verified VK identity. An attacker could choose callback fields such as `viewer_id`, `access_token`, `api_id`, and `api_result`, potentially allowing authentication as an arbitrary VK user ID. The issue affects only applications using the `vk-app` backend. The issue has been fixed in version 5.0.0 by requiring `auth_key` to be present and valid before callback data is trusted.

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CVSS v3.1 Score

7.4

HIGH

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N

EPSS — Exploit Prediction

0.0016

Probability of exploitation

0.05%

Percentile rank

EPSS estimates the probability that this vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. A higher score means more likely to be exploited.

Weakness Type (CWE)

CWE-287 Improper Authentication

CWE-347 CWE-347

References

Other References

https://github.com/python-social-auth/social-core/security/advisories/GHSA-3c93-f73f-qc9h

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2026-57178? +

Python Social Auth is a social authentication/registration mechanism. Prior to version 5.0.0, the `vk-app` backend accepted VK application callback data without verifying the callback signature when the `auth_key` parameter was omitted. Applications using this backend could treat unsigned attacker-controlled data as a verified VK identity. An attacker could choose callback fields such as `viewer_id`, `access_token`, `api_id`, and `api_result`, potentially allowing authentication as an arbitrary VK user ID. The issue affects only applications using the `vk-app` backend. The issue has been fixed in version 5.0.0 by requiring `auth_key` to be present and valid before callback data is trusted. It has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.4 (HIGH).

How severe is CVE-2026-57178? +

CVE-2026-57178 has a CVSS v3.1 score of 7.4 out of 10, rated HIGH. This is a high-severity vulnerability that should be prioritized for patching. The EPSS score is 0.0016, placing it in the 0th percentile for exploitation probability.

How do I check if I'm vulnerable to CVE-2026-57178? +

You can use Secably's free Website Scanner to check your website for known vulnerabilities. For infrastructure scanning, use the Port Scanner to identify exposed services that may be affected. Check the vendor advisories linked above for specific patch and version information.

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