> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/web/business-logic/failed-state-machine-workaround.md).

# Failed State Machine Workaround

Failed State Machine Workaround notes for PortSwigger Web Security Academy labs, including exploitation workflow, payload testing, Burp Suite validation, and remediation context.

### Authentication Bypass via Flawed State Machine

This lab is based on incorrect assumptions about the sequence of steps in the authentication process. By using this poorly designed state machine it is possible to bypass authentication, access the administration interface and delete the user **carlos**.

Identifier provided:

* **User:** wiener
* **Password:** peter

**Observation principale**

The connection flow is cut into several successive steps, including an intermediate role selection step.

The application assumes that all steps are executed in the order and that each request has been properly validated before proceeding to the next one.

**Operation stages**

1. Connection with valid `wiener:peter` credentials.
2. After login, the application proposes a step of **role selection**.

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-2d7422ef8447c6ebbf8d21ad7f08aa9ee0a90df1%2F%7B63EBA66C-DEAF-415F-9D3E-EC96C18DCCD6%7D.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* Click forward to move forward.
* At the time of GET request to the **role selector**, intercept the request.

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-743746c175c66d95624c00ea6b0ed5c1f30dec72%2F%7B62FB8FD5-0978-4914-9A9F-C3F596FC720E%7D.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Do not let the request go**: block or delete it ( drop ).

* It is at this stage that validation of the role is carried out.

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-babfdb7303a1ebc41a29df0a8e0da7f9900a0e71%2F%7B8DC352D5-6BD1-4A86-921D-ABCC671D43AE%7D.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Continue the flow without this validation.

**Result**

The application wrongly considers that all steps have been properly validated. / The user accesses the \*\* admin panel\*\* directly, without having selected or validated a legitimate role.

From there it is possible to remove the user **carlos** and validate the lab.

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-e4d13c78eea07f6bdebd27f03d7c3c34e66b1a22%2F%7B4348027A-A520-4C3D-BBC6-0F1FA5ECC8F1%7D.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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