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Authlib Authentication Flaw Has Been Discovered

A critical security vulnerability allows attackers to bypass login checks in the popular Python library.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Cybersecurity

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The CERT Coordination Center has issued a security warning for Authlib, a widely used Python library, due to a critical authentication bypass vulnerability. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The CERT Coordination Center has issued a security advisory for a flaw in the Authlib library, identified as CVE-2026-96760. This vulnerability permits attackers to bypass authentication by exploiting unsigned data within the JSON Web Signature component.

Why it matters

The flaw exposes millions of applications relying on Authlib to unauthorized access. Because no official patch is currently available, systems using affected versions remain at risk of credential-free login attempts.

The vulnerability exists in the deserialize_json function, which incorrectly validates JWS objects lacking signatures. Affected software includes all Authlib versions up to and including 1.7.2.

The players

CERT Coordination Center

A research center at Carnegie Mellon University that handles security vulnerabilities and coordinates responses to internet threats.

Authlib

A popular open-source Python library used for implementing authentication protocols and web signatures.

The details

Attackers can bypass security measures by providing a crafted JWS payload that lacks required credentials. The CERT/CC released the warning after failing to establish contact with the vendor over a five-week period.

Timeline

  1. Authlib version 1.7.2 was released in May 2026.

  2. Authlib recorded 103.3 million downloads on PyPI in August 2026.

  3. Version 1.8.0 was released on August 30, 2026.

The Tech Race

This vulnerability mirrors the systemic risks identified in the 2026 Log4j logging library vulnerability. It highlights the security challenges inherent in global digital infrastructure that relies heavily on ubiquitous open-source components.

Developers must audit their applications to determine if they rely on Authlib versions up to 1.7.2. Until a patch is issued, teams should implement additional authentication layers or restrict access to affected components.

The takeaway

Maintaining secure code requires constant monitoring of dependencies for newly reported security advisories. Organizations should prioritize updating their library versions as soon as maintainers issue official remediation.

What happens next

Users are expected to monitor the project's GitHub repository for the release of an official security patch.

Further reading

For additional context on protecting software supply chains, visit the Cybersecurity section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Cybernews.

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