VMware Workspace ONE Access - Authentication Bypass (CVE-2022-22956)

CVE-2022-22956 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability in VMware Workspace ONE Access, specifically within the OAuth2 ACS framework. This flaw allows attackers to exploit exposed endpoints to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary operations, potentially leading to full system compromise.

CrowdSec has been tracking this vulnerability and its exploits since 29th of October 2025.

According to CrowdSec data, while opportunistic exploitation dominates, a portion of threat actors trying to exploit CVE-2022-22956 apply basic targeting methods such as port or service detection. This indicates emerging patterns of selective targeting. Additionally, according to week-over-week analysis by CrowdSec, exploitation of CVE-2022-22956 is surging. Attack volumes are spiking well above historical norms, indicating widespread and escalating interest from threat actors. CVE-2022-22956 is currently experiencing high visibility and active exploitation across the internet.

Attackers exploit authentication bypass vulnerabilities by sending crafted POST requests to endpoints such as /SAAS/API/1.0/REST/oauth2/generateActivationToken/Service__OAuth2Client, /SAAS/API/1.0/REST/oauth2/activate, and /SAAS/auth/oauthtoken to obtain unauthorized access tokens and perform privileged operations.