CVE-2019-16109: Authentication Bypass in Devise
Summary
CVE-2019-16109: Authentication Bypass in Devise. Affects devise versions < 4.7.1. Fixed in 4.7.1. How to fix ↓
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Background
Devise is a RubyGem that provides flexible and customizable authentication solutions for Ruby on Rails applications. It handles user registration, authentication, and account management. Devise is widely used in the Ruby on Rails community and offers various features to ensure secure user authentication and authorization.
Vulnerability Detail
An authentication bypass vulnerability was discovered in Plataformatec Devise before version 4.7.1. This vulnerability allows an attacker to confirm user accounts by sending a request with a blank confirmation_token. If a database record has a blank value in the confirmation_token column, Devise mistakenly confirms the account. However, it is important to note that there is no scenario within Devise itself in which such database records would exist. The impact of this vulnerability is moderate, as it could potentially allow unauthorized access to user accounts.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 5.0.4 as of 22 Oct 2026
gem install devise -v 5.0.4Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
4.7.1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
gem install devise -v 4.7.1Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to upgrade to the fixed version of Devise to mitigate the risk of authentication bypass.
Conclusion
The authentication bypass vulnerability in Devise before version 4.7.1 can potentially allow unauthorized access to user accounts. It is crucial to upgrade to the fixed version to mitigate this risk. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for devise →
FAQ
Devise is a RubyGem that provides authentication solutions for Ruby on Rails applications. It handles user registration, authentication, and account management.
This vulnerability could potentially allow unauthorized access to user accounts.
To fix this vulnerability, upgrade to Devise version 4.7.1 or later.
No, there is no known workaround. It is crucial to upgrade to the fixed version of Devise.
You can find more information about this vulnerability in the GitHub advisory database: https://github.com/github/advisory-database/blob/main/advisories/github-reviewed/2019/09/GHSA-fcjw-8rhj-gwwc/GHSA-fcjw-8rhj-gwwc.json
References
Related vulnerabilities
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