CWE-287
DiscouragedImproper Authentication
Abstraction: Class · Status: Draft
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
6877 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-RMCQ-5353-M59X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-09-28 15:31 – Updated: 2026-09-28 15:31The Kaon AR2140X router improperly issues session cookies in responses to unauthenticated HTTP requests. This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to obtain a valid session identifier without providing credentials, resulting in an authentication bypass. With this access, the attacker can perform unauthorized actions on upgrade-related functionalities. These actions can be abused to force the router to issue GET requests to arbitrarily chosen domains.
This issue was identified in firmware versions up to 4.2.17. Status of newer versions remains unknown.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-52749"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-287"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-09-28T13:17:22Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The Kaon AR2140X router improperly issues session cookies in responses to unauthenticated HTTP requests.\u00a0This vulnerability allows a remote attacker to obtain a valid session identifier without providing credentials, resulting in an authentication bypass. With this access, the attacker can perform unauthorized actions on upgrade-related functionalities. These actions can be abused to force the router to issue GET requests to arbitrarily chosen domains.\n\nThis issue was\u00a0identified in firmware versions up to 4.2.17. Status of newer versions remains unknown.",
"id": "GHSA-rmcq-5353-m59x",
"modified": "2026-09-28T15:31:51Z",
"published": "2026-09-28T15:31:51Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-52749"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://cert.pl/en/posts/2026/09/CVE-2026-52748"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:A/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:L/VI:L/VA:N/SC:L/SI:L/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-RMFG-C7HM-WV58
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-10-01 12:31 – Updated: 2026-10-01 12:31Fleet versions before 4.87.0 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability in the device API that accepts hostnames and hardware serials as authentication tokens in addition to device UUIDs. Unauthenticated attackers who know or guess these non-secret identifiers can authenticate as iOS/iPadOS hosts to read device data and trigger device-scoped actions including software installation and MDM migration.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-103264"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-287"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-10-01T11:17:21Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Fleet versions before 4.87.0 contain an authentication bypass vulnerability in the device API that accepts hostnames and hardware serials as authentication tokens in addition to device UUIDs. Unauthenticated attackers who know or guess these non-secret identifiers can authenticate as iOS/iPadOS hosts to read device data and trigger device-scoped actions including software installation and MDM migration.",
"id": "GHSA-rmfg-c7hm-wv58",
"modified": "2026-10-01T12:31:17Z",
"published": "2026-10-01T12:31:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/fleetdm/fleet/security/advisories/GHSA-vrc8-2wcx-327f"
},
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-103264"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/fleet-before-4.87.0-authentication-bypass-via-device-identifiers"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-RMMC-8CQJ-HFP3
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2020-09-03 18:24 – Updated: 2020-08-31 18:46Versions of otpauth prior to 3.2.8 are vulnerable to Authentication Bypass. The package's totp.validate() function may return positive values for single digit tokens even if they are invalid. This may allow attackers to bypass the OTP authentication by providing single digit tokens.
Recommendation
Upgrade to version 3.2.8 or later.
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "otpauth"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "0"
},
{
"fixed": "3.2.8"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-287"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2020-08-31T18:46:51Z",
"nvd_published_at": null,
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Versions of `otpauth` prior to 3.2.8 are vulnerable to Authentication Bypass. The package\u0027s `totp.validate()` function may return positive values for single digit tokens even if they are invalid. This may allow attackers to bypass the OTP authentication by providing single digit tokens.\n\n\n## Recommendation\n\nUpgrade to version 3.2.8 or later.",
"id": "GHSA-rmmc-8cqj-hfp3",
"modified": "2020-08-31T18:46:51Z",
"published": "2020-09-03T18:24:43Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.npmjs.com/advisories/1087"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [],
"summary": "Authentication Bypass in otpauth"
}
GHSA-RMMW-CH86-WW88
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 00:38 – Updated: 2022-05-17 00:38A+ PHP Scripts News Management System (NMS) allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain administrator privileges by setting the mobsuser and mobspass cookies to 1.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2008-6667"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-287"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2009-04-08T10:30:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A+ PHP Scripts News Management System (NMS) allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and gain administrator privileges by setting the mobsuser and mobspass cookies to 1.",
"id": "GHSA-rmmw-ch86-ww88",
"modified": "2022-05-17T00:38:43Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T00:38:43Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2008-6667"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/43431"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/5954"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/29977"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-RMQ7-27M8-JRHX
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-08-13 21:36 – Updated: 2026-08-13 21:36IBM i 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3 could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information due to improper authentication.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-17099"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-287"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-08-13T21:17:42Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "IBM i 7.6, 7.5, 7.4, and 7.3 could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information due to improper authentication.",
"id": "GHSA-rmq7-27m8-jrhx",
"modified": "2026-08-13T21:36:12Z",
"published": "2026-08-13T21:36:12Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-17099"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/7283292"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-RMRP-R22G-JMMV
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:40 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:40An issue was discovered on Mofi Network MOFI4500-4GXeLTE 4.1.5-std devices. The authentication function contains undocumented code that provides the ability to authenticate as root without knowing the actual root password. An adversary with the private key can remotely authenticate to the management interface as root.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-15835"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-287"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-02-01T02:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "An issue was discovered on Mofi Network MOFI4500-4GXeLTE 4.1.5-std devices. The authentication function contains undocumented code that provides the ability to authenticate as root without knowing the actual root password. An adversary with the private key can remotely authenticate to the management interface as root.",
"id": "GHSA-rmrp-r22g-jmmv",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:40:42Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:40:42Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-15835"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://mofinetwork.com/index.php?main_page=page\u0026id=14"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.criticalstart.com/critical-vulnerabilities-discovered-in-mofi-routers"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-RMXW-JXXX-4CPC
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-17 21:34 – Updated: 2026-03-06 01:01Summary
OpenClaw Matrix DM allowlist matching could be bypassed in certain configurations.
Matrix support ships as an optional plugin (not bundled with the core install), so this only affects deployments that have installed and enabled the Matrix plugin.
Affected Packages / Versions
- Package:
openclaw(npm) - Affected:
>= 2026.1.14-1, < 2026.2.2 - Patched:
>= 2026.2.2
Details
In affected versions, DM allowlist decisions could be made by exact-matching channels.matrix.dm.allowFrom entries against multiple sender-derived candidates, including:
- The sender display name (attacker-controlled and non-unique)
- The sender MXID localpart with the homeserver discarded, so
@alice:evil.exampleand@alice:trusted.exampleboth matchalice
If an operator configured channels.matrix.dm.allowFrom with display names or bare localparts (for example, "Alice" or "alice"), a remote Matrix user may be able to impersonate an allowed identity for allowlist purposes and reach the routing/agent pipeline.
Impact
Matrix DM allowlist identity confusion. The practical impact depends on your Matrix channel policies and what capabilities are enabled downstream.
Mitigation
- Upgrade to
openclaw >= 2026.2.2. - Ensure Matrix allowlists contain only full Matrix user IDs (MXIDs) like
@user:server(or*). Do not use display names or bare localparts.
Fix Commit(s)
8f3bfbd1c4fb967a2ddb5b4b9a05784920814bcf
Release Process Note
The patched version is already published to npm; the advisory can be published once you're ready.
Thanks @MegaManSec (https://joshua.hu) of AISLE Research Team for reporting.
{
"affected": [
{
"package": {
"ecosystem": "npm",
"name": "openclaw"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "2026.1.14-1"
},
{
"fixed": "2026.2.2"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-28471"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-287",
"CWE-290"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2026-02-17T21:34:17Z",
"nvd_published_at": "2026-03-05T22:16:20Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "### Summary\n\nOpenClaw Matrix DM allowlist matching could be bypassed in certain configurations.\n\nMatrix support ships as an optional plugin (not bundled with the core install), so this only affects deployments that have installed and enabled the Matrix plugin.\n\n### Affected Packages / Versions\n\n- Package: `openclaw` (npm)\n- Affected: `\u003e= 2026.1.14-1, \u003c 2026.2.2`\n- Patched: `\u003e= 2026.2.2`\n\n### Details\n\nIn affected versions, DM allowlist decisions could be made by exact-matching `channels.matrix.dm.allowFrom` entries against multiple sender-derived candidates, including:\n\n- The sender display name (attacker-controlled and non-unique)\n- The sender MXID localpart with the homeserver discarded, so `@alice:evil.example` and `@alice:trusted.example` both match `alice`\n\nIf an operator configured `channels.matrix.dm.allowFrom` with display names or bare localparts (for example, `\"Alice\"` or `\"alice\"`), a remote Matrix user may be able to impersonate an allowed identity for allowlist purposes and reach the routing/agent pipeline.\n\n### Impact\n\nMatrix DM allowlist identity confusion. The practical impact depends on your Matrix channel policies and what capabilities are enabled downstream.\n\n### Mitigation\n\n- Upgrade to `openclaw \u003e= 2026.2.2`.\n- Ensure Matrix allowlists contain only full Matrix user IDs (MXIDs) like `@user:server` (or `*`). Do not use display names or bare localparts.\n\n### Fix Commit(s)\n\n- `8f3bfbd1c4fb967a2ddb5b4b9a05784920814bcf`\n\n### Release Process Note\n\nThe patched version is already published to npm; the advisory can be published once you\u0027re ready.\n\nThanks @MegaManSec (https://joshua.hu) of [AISLE Research Team](https://aisle.com/) for reporting.",
"id": "GHSA-rmxw-jxxx-4cpc",
"modified": "2026-03-06T01:01:45Z",
"published": "2026-02-17T21:34:17Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/security/advisories/GHSA-rmxw-jxxx-4cpc"
},
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-28471"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/commit/8f3bfbd1c4fb967a2ddb5b4b9a05784920814bcf"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/openclaw/openclaw/releases/tag/v2026.2.2"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/openclaw-allowlist-bypass-via-displayname-and-cross-homeserver-localpart-matching-in-matrix"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:L/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
],
"summary": "OpenClaw has a Matrix allowlist bypass via displayName and cross-homeserver localpart matching"
}
GHSA-RP2G-5HW2-Q565
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 19:14 – Updated: 2026-08-10 18:31Open Management Infrastructure Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2021-38647"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-287",
"CWE-665"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2021-09-15T12:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Open Management Infrastructure Remote Code Execution Vulnerability",
"id": "GHSA-rp2g-5hw2-q565",
"modified": "2026-08-10T18:31:10Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T19:14:43Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-38647"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2021-38647"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/en-US/security-guidance/advisory/CVE-2021-38647"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-38647"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/164694/Microsoft-OMI-Management-Interface-Authentication-Bypass.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-RP2M-9JH8-H55H
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-10-14 15:31 – Updated: 2025-10-28 15:30A path traversal security issue exists within FactoryTalk View Machine Edition, allowing unauthenticated attackers on the same network as the device to delete any file within the panels operating system. Exploitation of this vulnerability is dependent on the knowledge of filenames to be deleted.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-9064"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-22",
"CWE-287"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-10-14T13:15:39Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "A path traversal security issue exists within FactoryTalk View Machine Edition, allowing unauthenticated attackers on the same network as the device to delete any file within the panels operating system. Exploitation of this vulnerability is dependent on the knowledge of filenames to be deleted.",
"id": "GHSA-rp2m-9jh8-h55h",
"modified": "2025-10-28T15:30:39Z",
"published": "2025-10-14T15:31:26Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-9064"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.rockwellautomation.com/en-us/trust-center/security-advisories/advisory.SD1753.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
GHSA-RP39-4V75-4GX6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-01-07 15:30 – Updated: 2023-01-12 18:30A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in holdennb CollabCal. Affected is the function handleGet of the file calenderServer.cpp. The manipulation leads to improper authentication. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The name of the patch is b80f6d1893607c99e5113967592417d0fe310ce6. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. VDB-217614 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2014-125060"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-287"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-01-07T13:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "A vulnerability, which was classified as critical, was found in holdennb CollabCal. Affected is the function handleGet of the file calenderServer.cpp. The manipulation leads to improper authentication. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The name of the patch is b80f6d1893607c99e5113967592417d0fe310ce6. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. VDB-217614 is the identifier assigned to this vulnerability.",
"id": "GHSA-rp39-4v75-4gx6",
"modified": "2023-01-12T18:30:28Z",
"published": "2023-01-07T15:30:18Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2014-125060"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/holdennb/CollabCal/commit/b80f6d1893607c99e5113967592417d0fe310ce6"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?ctiid.217614"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vuldb.com/?id.217614"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
Mitigation
Strategy: Libraries or Frameworks
Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
CAPEC-114: Authentication Abuse
An attacker obtains unauthorized access to an application, service or device either through knowledge of the inherent weaknesses of an authentication mechanism, or by exploiting a flaw in the authentication scheme's implementation. In such an attack an authentication mechanism is functioning but a carefully controlled sequence of events causes the mechanism to grant access to the attacker.
CAPEC-115: Authentication Bypass
An attacker gains access to application, service, or device with the privileges of an authorized or privileged user by evading or circumventing an authentication mechanism. The attacker is therefore able to access protected data without authentication ever having taken place.
CAPEC-151: Identity Spoofing
Identity Spoofing refers to the action of assuming (i.e., taking on) the identity of some other entity (human or non-human) and then using that identity to accomplish a goal. An adversary may craft messages that appear to come from a different principle or use stolen / spoofed authentication credentials.
CAPEC-194: Fake the Source of Data
An adversary takes advantage of improper authentication to provide data or services under a falsified identity. The purpose of using the falsified identity may be to prevent traceability of the provided data or to assume the rights granted to another individual. One of the simplest forms of this attack would be the creation of an email message with a modified "From" field in order to appear that the message was sent from someone other than the actual sender. The root of the attack (in this case the email system) fails to properly authenticate the source and this results in the reader incorrectly performing the instructed action. Results of the attack vary depending on the details of the attack, but common results include privilege escalation, obfuscation of other attacks, and data corruption/manipulation.
CAPEC-22: Exploiting Trust in Client
An attack of this type exploits vulnerabilities in client/server communication channel authentication and data integrity. It leverages the implicit trust a server places in the client, or more importantly, that which the server believes is the client. An attacker executes this type of attack by communicating directly with the server where the server believes it is communicating only with a valid client. There are numerous variations of this type of attack.
CAPEC-57: Utilizing REST's Trust in the System Resource to Obtain Sensitive Data
This attack utilizes a REST(REpresentational State Transfer)-style applications' trust in the system resources and environment to obtain sensitive data once SSL is terminated.
CAPEC-593: Session Hijacking
This type of attack involves an adversary that exploits weaknesses in an application's use of sessions in performing authentication. The adversary is able to steal or manipulate an active session and use it to gain unathorized access to the application.
CAPEC-633: Token Impersonation
An adversary exploits a weakness in authentication to create an access token (or equivalent) that impersonates a different entity, and then associates a process/thread to that that impersonated token. This action causes a downstream user to make a decision or take action that is based on the assumed identity, and not the response that blocks the adversary.
CAPEC-650: Upload a Web Shell to a Web Server
By exploiting insufficient permissions, it is possible to upload a web shell to a web server in such a way that it can be executed remotely. This shell can have various capabilities, thereby acting as a "gateway" to the underlying web server. The shell might execute at the higher permission level of the web server, providing the ability the execute malicious code at elevated levels.
CAPEC-94: Adversary in the Middle (AiTM)
An adversary targets the communication between two components (typically client and server), in order to alter or obtain data from transactions. A general approach entails the adversary placing themself within the communication channel between the two components.