Privilege Escalation
Privilege escalation occurs when an attacker leverages flaws in access control mechanisms to gain permissions beyond what they were originally granted.
How It Works
Privilege escalation occurs when an attacker leverages flaws in access control mechanisms to gain permissions beyond what they were originally granted. The attack exploits the gap between what the system thinks a user can do and what they actually can do through manipulation or exploitation.
Vertical escalation is the classic form—a regular user obtaining administrator rights. This happens through kernel exploits that bypass OS-level security, misconfigurations in role-based access control (RBAC) that fail to enforce boundaries, or direct manipulation of authorization tokens and session data. Horizontal escalation involves accessing resources belonging to users at the same privilege level, typically through insecure direct object references (IDOR) where changing an ID in a request grants access to another user's data.
Context-dependent escalation exploits workflow logic by skipping authorization checkpoints. An attacker might access administrative URLs directly without going through proper authentication flows, manipulate parameters to bypass permission checks, or exploit REST API endpoints that don't validate method permissions—like a read-only GET permission that can be leveraged for write operations through protocol upgrades or alternative endpoints.
Impact
- Full system compromise through kernel-level exploits granting root or SYSTEM privileges
- Administrative control over applications, allowing configuration changes, user management, and deployment of malicious code
- Lateral movement across cloud infrastructure, containers, or network segments using escalated service account permissions
- Data exfiltration by accessing databases, file systems, or API endpoints restricted to higher privilege levels
- Persistence establishment through creation of backdoor accounts or modification of system configurations
Real-World Examples
Kubernetes clusters have been compromised through kubelet API misconfigurations where read-only GET permissions on worker nodes could be escalated to remote code execution. Attackers upgraded HTTP connections to WebSockets to access the /exec endpoint, gaining shell access to all pods on the node. This affected over 69 Helm charts including widely-deployed monitoring tools like Prometheus, Grafana, and Datadog agents.
Windows Print Spooler vulnerabilities (PrintNightmare class) allowed authenticated users to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges by exploiting improper privilege checks in the print service. Attackers loaded malicious DLLs through carefully crafted print jobs, escalating from low-privilege user accounts to full domain administrator access.
Cloud metadata services have been exploited where SSRF vulnerabilities combined with over-permissioned IAM roles allowed attackers to retrieve temporary credentials with elevated permissions, pivoting from compromised web applications to broader cloud infrastructure access.
Mitigation
- Enforce deny-by-default access control where permissions must be explicitly granted rather than implicitly allowed
- Implement consistent authorization checks at every layer—API gateway, application logic, and data access—never relying on client-side or single-point validation
- Apply principle of least privilege with time-limited, scope-restricted permissions and just-in-time access for administrative functions
- Audit permission inheritance and role assignments regularly to identify overly permissive configurations or privilege creep
- Separate execution contexts using containers, sandboxes, or capability-based security to limit blast radius
- Deploy runtime monitoring for unusual privilege usage patterns and anomalous access to restricted resources
Recent CVEs (14613)
In getMediaOutputSliceAction of RemoteMediaSlice.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to an unsafe PendingIntent. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In nci_proc_rf_management_ntf of nci_hrcv.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Write of NxpMfcReader.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability could allow attackers to write data beyond allocated buffer boundaries leading to code execution or crashes.
In CrossProfileAppsServiceImpl.java, there is the possibility of an application's INTERACT_ACROSS_PROFILES grant state not displaying properly in the setting UI due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
SAP MII allows users to create dashboards and save them as JSP through the SSCE (Self Service Composition Environment). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
PowerScale OneFS 8.1.2,8.2.2 and 9.1.0 contains an improper input sanitization issue in its API handler. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The MsIo64.sys driver before 1.1.19.1016 in MSI Dragon Center before 2.0.98.0 has a buffer overflow that allows privilege escalation via a crafted 0x80102040, 0x80102044, 0x80102050, or 0x80102054. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Buffer Copy without Size Check vulnerability could allow attackers to overflow a buffer to corrupt adjacent memory.
Improper access control in NotificationManagerService in Samsung mobile devices prior to SMR Mar-2021 Release 1 allows untrusted applications to acquire notification access via sending a crafted. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In cameraisp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In performance driver, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In jpeg, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vow, there is a possible memory corruption due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4). No vendor patch available.
In vpu, there is a possible memory corruption due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4). No vendor patch available.
In vpu, there is a possible memory corruption due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4). No vendor patch available.
Changing the password on the module webpage does not require the user to type in the current password first. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Windows Event Tracing Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Microsoft Defender Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Azure IoT CLI extension Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Sysinternals PsExec Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
System Center Operations Manager Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Windows Installer Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Windows Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
A vulnerability in an API endpoint of Cisco ACI Multi-Site Orchestrator (MSO) installed on the Application Services Engine could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass authentication on. Rated critical severity (CVSS 10.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A privilege escalation flaw was found in openshift4/ose-docker-builder. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
A local authenticated escalation of privilege vulnerability was discovered in Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager version(s): Prior to 6.9.5, 6.8.8-HF1, 6.7.14-HF1. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Directus 8.x through 8.8.1, an attacker can switch to the administrator role (via the PATCH method) without any control by the back end. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Snow Inventory Agent through 6.7.0 on Windows uses CPUID to report on processor types and versions that may be deployed and in use across an IT environment. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
"loolforkit" is a privileged program that is supposed to be run by a special, non-privileged "lool" user. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The lineage endpoint of the deprecated Experimental API was not protected by authentication in Airflow 2.0.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Access Control on Configurations Endpoint for the Stable API of Apache Airflow allows users with Viewer or User role to get Airflow Configurations including sensitive information even when. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Insecure inherited permissions for the Intel(R) SOC driver package for STK1A32SC before version 604 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Privilege escalation vulnerability in McAfee Web Gateway (MWG) prior to 9.2.8 allows an authenticated user to gain elevated privileges through the User Interface and execute commands on the appliance. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Calsos CSDJ (CSDJ-B 01.08.00 and earlier, CSDJ-H 01.08.00 and earlier, CSDJ-D 01.08.00 and earlier, and CSDJ-A 03.08.00 and earlier) allows remote attackers to bypass access restriction and to obtain. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Racom's MIDGE Firmware 4.4.40.105 contains an issue that allows for privilege escalation via configd. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Fleet is an open source osquery manager. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Uncontrolled Resource Consumption vulnerability could allow attackers to cause denial of service by exhausting system resources.
The replay-sorcery program in ReplaySorcery 0.4.0 through 0.5.0, when using the default setuid-root configuration, allows a local attacker to escalate privileges to root by specifying video output. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
In loadAnimation of WindowContainer.java, there is a possible way to keep displaying a malicious app while a target app is brought to the foreground. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
In moveInMediaStore of FileSystemProvider.java, there is a possible file exposure due to stale metadata. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In onReceive of BluetoothPermissionRequest.java, there is a possible permissions bypass due to a mutable PendingIntent. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Permission Assignment vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources due to misconfigured permissions.
In onTargetSelected of ResolverActivity.java, there is a possible settings bypass allowing an app to become the default handler for arbitrary domains. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Permission Assignment vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources due to misconfigured permissions.
In onCreate of BluetoothPermissionActivity.java, there is a possible permissions bypass due to a tapjacking overlay that obscures the phonebook permissions dialog when a Bluetooth device is. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In bootFinished of SurfaceFlinger.cpp, there is a possible memory corruption due to a use after free. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In onCreate of NotificationAccessConfirmationActivity.java, there is a possible overlay attack due to an insecure default value. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In add_user_ce and remove_user_ce of storaged.cpp, there is a possible use-after-free due to improper locking. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Use After Free vulnerability could allow attackers to access freed memory to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
In several native functions called by AdvertiseManager.java, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability could allow attackers to write data beyond allocated buffer boundaries leading to code execution or crashes.
In onBatchScanReports and deliverBatchScan of GattService.java, there is a possible way to retrieve Bluetooth scan results without permissions due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In getContentProviderImpl of ActivityManagerService.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to non-restored binder identities. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
In onCreate of UninstallerActivity, there is a possible way to uninstall an all without informed user consent due to a tapjacking/overlay attack. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In PackageInstaller, there is a possible tapjacking attack due to an insecure default value. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
In PackageInstaller, there is a possible tapjacking attack due to an insecure default value. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Bypass Remote Procedure call in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to 16.0.30 allows a local user to gain elevated privileges and perform arbitrary file modification as the SYSTEM user potentially. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Privilege Escalation vulnerability in McAfee Total Protection (MTP) prior to 16.0.30 allows a local user to gain elevated privileges and perform arbitrary file deletion as the SYSTEM user potentially. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Access Control vulnerability in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) for Windows prior to 10.7.0 February 2021 Update allows local administrators to prevent the installation of some ENS files by. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Access Control in attribute in McAfee Endpoint Security (ENS) for Windows prior to 10.7.0 February 2021 Update allows authenticated local administrator user to perform an uninstallation of. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Millennium Millewin (also known as "Cartella clinica") 13.39.028, 13.39.28.3342, and 13.39.146.1 has insecure folder permissions allowing a malicious user for a local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Insufficient policy enforcement in Cryptohome in Google Chrome prior to 88.0.4324.96 allowed a local attacker to perform OS-level privilege escalation via a crafted file. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Agents are able to see and link Config Items without permissions, which are defined in General Catalog. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
There is a local privilege escalation vulnerability in some Huawei products. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A local privilege escalation was discovered in the Linux kernel before 5.10.13. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0).
In display driver, there is a possible memory corruption due to a use after free. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vpu, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vpu, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In mobile_log_d, there is a possible escalation of privilege due to improper input validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In mtkpower, there is a possible memory corruption due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In kisd, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In display driver, there is a possible memory corruption due to a use after free. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In mobile_log_d, there is a possible command injection due to improper input validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In mobile_log_d, there is a possible command injection due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In aee, there is a possible memory corruption due to a stack buffer overflow. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In kisd, there is a possible out of bounds read due to improper input validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In netdiag, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In netdiag, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In netdiag, there is a possible command injection due to improper input validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In netdiag, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In netdiag, there is a possible command injection due to improper input validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In kisd, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In ged, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In kisd, there is a possible memory corruption due to a heap buffer overflow. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Docker before versions 9.03.15, 20.10.3 there is a vulnerability involving the --userns-remap option in which access to remapped root allows privilege escalation to real root. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Path Traversal vulnerability could allow attackers to access files and directories outside the intended path.
Insider Threat Management Windows Agent Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability The Proofpoint Insider Threat Management (formerly ObserveIT) Agent for Windows before 7.4.3, 7.5.4, 7.6.5, 7.7.5,. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Docker Desktop Community before 2.5.0.0 on macOS mishandles certificate checking, leading to local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A local privilege escalation vulnerability in telnetd.real of Juniper Networks Junos OS may allow a locally authenticated shell user to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary commands as root. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A sensitive information disclosure vulnerability in delta-export configuration utility (dexp) of Juniper Networks Junos OS may allow a locally authenticated shell user the ability to create and read. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Privilege chaining vulnerability in acmailer ver. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Captivate 2019 version 11.5.1.499 (and earlier) is affected by an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability that could lead to privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0), this vulnerability is no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the upgrade component of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client could allow an authenticated, local attacker with low privileges to read arbitrary files on the underlying. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Microsoft SharePoint Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Microsoft SharePoint Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Windows Win32k Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 14613