CVE-2025-61928

What it is

Better Auth is an authentication and authorization library for TypeScript. In versions prior to 1.3.26, unauthenticated attackers can create or modify API keys for any user by passing that user's id in the request body to the `api/auth/api-key/create` route. `session?.user ?? (authRequired ? null : { id: ctx.body.userId })`. When no session exists but `userId` is present in the request body, `authRequired` becomes false and the user object is set to the attacker-controlled ID. Server-only field validation only executes when `authRequired` is true (lines 280-295), allowing attackers to set privileged fields. No additional authentication occurs before the database operation, so the malicious payload is accepted. The same pattern exists in the update endpoint. This is a critical authentication bypass enabling full an unauthenticated attacker can generate an API key for any user and immediately gain complete authenticated access. This allows the attacker to perform any action as the victim user using the api key, potentially compromise the user data and the application depending on the victim's privileges. Version 1.3.26 contains a patch for the issue.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

19.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS). Higher than most.

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2025-10-03 22:21 UTC ReservedThe CVE id was reserved by its CNA
2. 2025-10-09 22:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
3. 2026-10-19 16:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 19.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 9.3 CRITICAL (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2025-10-09 22:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-10-19 16:10 UTC

Exploit probability

19.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-285

Record status

Deferred

Attack profile CVSS 4.0 · 9.3

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Attack requirements

None

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2025-61928.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2025-61928. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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