CVE-2023-40545: Authentication bypass when an OAuth2 Client is using client_secret_jwt as its authentication method on affecte

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HIGH 8.8DOWNGRADE

CVE-2023-40545 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting pingfederate. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Authentication bypass when an OAuth2 Client is using client_secret_jwt as its authentication method on affected 11.3 versions via specially crafted requests.

Why this priority

High severity

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.9% (top 39%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-306
Published	2024-02-06
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Ping Identity Corporation · Vendor: pingidentity

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2024-02-06 18:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:18 UTCUpdated Record last modified

pingidentity pingfederate DOWNGRADE

Affected: 11.3.0

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 11.3.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy pingfederate || rpm -q pingfederate || pingfederate --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 11.3.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison pingfederate sudo apt install pingfederate=<VERSION_BEFORE_11.3.0> sudo apt-mark hold pingfederate

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list pingfederate sudo dnf downgrade pingfederate-<VERSION_BEFORE_11.3.0> sudo dnf versionlock add pingfederate

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2023-40545?

pingfederate: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-40545 being exploited?

CVE-2023-40545 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2023-40545 affect?

CVE-2023-40545 affects pingfederate. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). Authentication bypass when an OAuth2 Client is using client_secret_jwt as its authentication method on affected 11.3 versions via specially crafted requests.

How urgent is CVE-2023-40545?

Priority 46/100. High severity

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References

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