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 (13302)
CVE-2025-48628 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
CVE-2025-48627 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
In multiple locations, there is a possible way to launch an application from the background due to a precondition check failure. This could lead to remote escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
In multiple functions of arm-smmu-v3.c, there is a possible out-of-bounds write due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
In init_pkvm_hyp_vcpu of pkvm.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
CVE-2025-48621 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.3) that allows a tapjacking attack due. High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
CVE-2025-48620 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
In processLaunchBrowser of CommandParamsFactory.java, there is a possible browser interaction from the lockscreen due to improper locking. This could lead to physical escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
In getComponentName of MediaButtonReceiverHolder.java, there is a possible desync in persistence due to resource exhaustion. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
In multiple locations, there is a possible way for an application on a work profile to set the main user's default NFC payment setting due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
In multiple locations, there is a possible permanent denial of service due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
In multiple functions of WifiScanModeActivity.java, there is a possible way to bypass a device config restriction due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
CVE-2025-48598 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 6.6). Remediation should follow standard vulnerability management procedures. Vendor patch is available.
In multiple locations, there is a possible way to trick a user into accepting a permission due to a tapjacking/overlay attack. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
In appendFrom of Parcel.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
In onUidImportance of DisassociationProcessor.java, there is a possible way to retain companion application privileges after disassociation due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is needed for exploitation.
CVE-2025-48589 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
CVE-2025-48588 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
CVE-2025-48586 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
A remote code execution vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
CVE-2025-48580 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
In multiple functions of CertInstaller.java, there is a possible way to install certificates due to a permissions bypass. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
In sendCommand of MediaSessionRecord.java, there is a possible way to launch the foreground service while the app is in the background due to FGS while-in-use abuse. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
Android contains a missing authentication vulnerability (CVE-2025-48572, CVSS 7.8) in multiple locations that allows background activity launches through a permissions bypass, enabling local privilege escalation without user interaction. KEV-listed, this vulnerability enables malicious apps to perform privileged operations silently in the background, bypassing Android's activity launch restrictions.
In multiple locations, there is a possible bypass of user profile boundary with a forwarded intent due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
CVE-2025-48565 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
In multiple locations, there is a possible intent filter bypass due to a race condition. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
In multiple functions of NotificationStation.java, there is a possible cross-profile information disclosure due to a confused deputy. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
CVE-2025-48536 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
In disassociate of DisassociationProcessor.java, there is a possible way for an app to continue reading notifications when not associated to a companion device due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
CVE-2025-32329 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
CVE-2025-32328 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
In ensureBound of RemotePrintService.java, there is a possible way for a background app to keep foreground permissions due to a permissions bypass. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with user execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
In notifyTimeout of CallRedirectionProcessor.java, there is a possible persistent connection due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege and background activity launches with User execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.
CVE-2025-22420 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation. Vendor patch is available.
Permission control vulnerability in the window management module. Impact: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may affect availability.
Permission control vulnerability in the package management module. Impact: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may affect service confidentiality.
Input verification vulnerability in the compression and decompression module. Impact: Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may affect app data integrity.
A vulnerability in Apigee-X allowed an attacker to gain unauthorized read and write access to Apigee Analytics (AX) data and access logs belonging to other Apigee customer organizations. Apigee-X was found to be vulnerable. This vulnerability was patched in version 1-16-0-apigee-3. No user action is required for this.
zdh_web is a data collection, processing, monitoring, scheduling, and management platform. In zdh_web thru 5.6.17, insufficient validation of file upload paths in the application allows an authenticated user to write arbitrary files to the server file system, potentially overwriting existing files and leading to privilege escalation or remote code execution.
The CRM Memberships plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation via password reset in all versions up to, and including, 2.5. This is due to missing authorization and authentication checks on the `ntzcrm_changepassword` AJAX action. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to reset arbitrary user passwords and gain unauthorized access to user accounts via the `ntzcrm_changepassword` endpoint, granted they can obtain or enumerate a target user's email address. The plugin also exposes the `ntzcrm_get_users` endpoint without authentication, allowing attackers to enumerate subscriber email addresses, facilitating the exploitation of the password reset vulnerability.
VeeVPN 1.6.1 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the VeePNService that allows remote attackers to execute code during startup or reboot with escalated privileges. Attackers can exploit this by providing a malicious service name, allowing them to inject commands and run as LocalSystem.
Aquarius Desktop 3.0.069 for macOS contains an insecure file handling vulnerability in its support data archive generation feature. The application follows symbolic links placed inside the ~/Library/Logs/Aquarius directory and treats them as regular files. When building the support ZIP, Aquarius recursively enumerates logs using a JUCE directory iterator configured to follow symlinks, and later writes file data without validating whether the target is a symbolic link. A local attacker can exploit this behavior by planting symlinks to arbitrary filesystem locations, resulting in unauthorized disclosure or modification of arbitrary files. When chained with the associated HelperTool privilege escalation issue, root-owned files may also be exposed.
The Aquarius HelperTool (1.0.003) privileged XPC service on macOS contains multiple flaws that allow local privilege escalation. The service accepts XPC connections from any local process without validating the client's identity, and its authorization logic incorrectly calls AuthorizationCopyRights with a NULL reference, causing all authorization checks to succeed. The executeCommand:authorization:withReply: method then interpolates attacker-controlled input into NSTask and executes it with root privileges. A local attacker can exploit these weaknesses to run arbitrary commands as root, create persistent backdoors, or obtain a fully interactive root shell.
A local privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the Plugin Alliance InstallationHelper service included with Plugin Alliance Installation Manager v1.4.0 on macOS. Due to the absence of a hardened runtime and a __RESTRICT segment, a local user may exploit the DYLD_INSERT_LIBRARIES environment variable to inject a dynamic library, potentially resulting in code execution with elevated privileges.
A local privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the InstallationHelper service included with Plugin Alliance Installation Manager v1.4.0 for macOS. The service accepts unauthenticated XPC connections and executes input via system(), which may allow a local user to execute arbitrary commands with root privileges.
A potential security vulnerability has been identified in HP Image Assistant for versions prior to 5.3.3. The vulnerability could potentially allow a local attacker to escalate privileges via a race condition when installing packages.
An Improper Input Validation vulnerability exists in the user websocket handler of MAAS. An authenticated, unprivileged attacker can intercept a user.update websocket request and inject the is_superuser property set to true. The server improperly validates this input, allowing the attacker to self-promote to an administrator role. This results in full administrative control over the MAAS deployment.
In ERPNext v15.83.2 and Frappe Framework v15.86.0, improper validation of uploaded SVG avatar images allows attackers to embed malicious JavaScript. The payload executes when an administrator clicks the image link to view the avatar, resulting in stored cross-site scripting (XSS). Successful exploitation may lead to account takeover, privilege escalation, or full compromise of the affected ERPNext instance.
The GC-AGENTS-SERVICE running as part of Akamai´s Guardicore Platform Agent for Windows versions prior to v49.20.1, v50.15.0, v51.12.0, v52.2.0 is affected by a local privilege escalation vulnerability. The service will attempt to read an OpenSSL configuration file from a non-existent location that standard Windows users have default write access to. This allows an unprivileged local user to create a crafted "openssl.cnf" file in that location and, by specifying the path to a custom DLL file in a custom OpenSSL engine definition, execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Guardicore Agent process. Since Guardicore Agent runs with SYSTEM privileges, this permits an unprivileged user to fully elevate privileges to SYSTEM level in this manner.
The DesignThemes LMS plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.4. This is due to the 'dtlms_register_user_front_end' function not restricting what user roles a user can register with. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to supply the 'administrator' role during registration and gain administrator access to the site.
A container privilege escalation flaw was found in certain CodeReady Workspaces images. This issue stems from the /etc/passwd file being created with group-writable permissions during build time. In certain conditions, an attacker who can execute commands within an affected container, even as a non-root user, can leverage their membership in the root group to modify the /etc/passwd file. This could allow the attacker to add a new user with any arbitrary UID, including UID 0, leading to full root privileges within the container.
JumpCloud Remote Assist for Windows versions prior to 0.317.0 include an uninstaller that is invoked by the JumpCloud Windows Agent as NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM during agent uninstall or update operations. The Remote Assist uninstaller performs privileged create, write, execute, and delete actions on predictable files inside a user-writable %TEMP% subdirectory without validating that the directory is trusted or resetting its ACLs when it already exists. A local, low-privileged attacker can pre-create the directory with weak permissions and leverage mount-point or symbolic-link redirection to (a) coerce arbitrary file writes to protected locations, leading to denial of service (e.g., by overwriting sensitive system files), or (b) win a race to redirect DeleteFileW() to attacker-chosen targets, enabling arbitrary file or folder deletion and local privilege escalation to SYSTEM. This issue is fixed in JumpCloud Remote Assist 0.317.0 and affects Windows systems where Remote Assist is installed and managed through the Agent lifecycle.
Inappropriate implementation in Google Updater in Google Chrome on Mac prior to 143.0.7499.41 allowed a remote attacker to perform privilege escalation via a crafted file. (Chromium security severity: High)
Entrust nShield Connect XC, nShield 5c, and nShield HSMi through 13.6.11, or 13.7, allow a Physically Proximate Attacker to Escalate Privileges by enabling the USB interface through chassis probe insertion during system boot, aka "Unauthorized Reactivation of the USB interface" or F01.
Entrust nShield Connect XC, nShield 5c, and nShield HSMi through 13.6.11, or 13.7, allow a physically proximate attacker to escalate privileges by editing the Legacy GRUB bootloader configuration to start a root shell upon boot of the host OS. This is called F06.
The Chassis Management Board in Entrust nShield Connect XC, nShield 5c, and nShield HSMi through 13.6.11, or 13.7, allows a physically proximate attacker to obtain debug access and escalate privileges by bypassing the tamper label and opening the chassis without leaving evidence, and accessing the JTAG connector. This is called F02.
The ELEX WordPress HelpDesk & Customer Ticketing System plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in all versions up to, and including, 3.3.2. This is due to missing authorization checks on the eh_crm_edit_agent AJAX action. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Contributor-level access and above, to escalate their WSDesk privileges from limited "Reply Tickets" permissions to full helpdesk administrator capabilities, gaining unauthorized access to ticket management, settings configuration, agent administration, and sensitive customer data.
In display, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10184870; Issue ID: MSV-4752.
In display, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10184297; Issue ID: MSV-4759.
In display, there is a possible memory corruption due to use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10182914; Issue ID: MSV-4795.
In display, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10196993; Issue ID: MSV-4796.
In display, there is a possible memory corruption due to use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10196993; Issue ID: MSV-4797.
In display, there is a possible memory corruption due to use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10182914; Issue ID: MSV-4795.
CVE-2025-20771 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 6.7). Remediation should follow standard vulnerability management procedures.
In display, there is a possible memory corruption due to use after free. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10196993; Issue ID: MSV-4803.
In display, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10196993; Issue ID: MSV-4804.
In display, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10196993; Issue ID: MSV-4805.
In display, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10196993; Issue ID: MSV-4807.
CVE-2025-20766 is a security vulnerability (CVSS 7.8). High severity vulnerability requiring prompt remediation.
In smi, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10259774; Issue ID: MSV-5029.
In mmdvfs, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the System privilege. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: ALPS10267218; Issue ID: MSV-5032.
Grav is a file-based Web platform. Prior to 1.8.0-beta.27, users with read access on the user account management section of the admin panel can view the password hashes of all users, including the admin user. This exposure can potentially lead to privilege escalation if an attacker can crack these password hashes. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.8.0-beta.27.
Grav is a file-based Web platform. Prior to 1.8.0-beta.27, a user with admin panel access and permissions to create or edit pages in Grav CMS can enable Twig processing in the page frontmatter. By injecting malicious Twig expressions, the user can escalate their privileges to admin or execute arbitrary system commands via the scheduler API. This results in both Privilege Escalation (PE) and Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.8.0-beta.27.
Grav is a file-based Web platform. Prior to 1.8.0-beta.27, a privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Grav’s Admin plugin due to the absence of username uniqueness validation when creating users. A user with the create user permission can create a new account using the same username as an existing administrator account, set a new password/email, and then log in as that administrator. This effectively allows privilege escalation from limited user-manager permissions to full administrator access. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.8.0-beta.27.
Snipe-IT before 8.3.4 allows stored XSS, allowing a low-privileged authenticated user to inject JavaScript that executes in an administrator's session, enabling privilege escalation.
An issue in Shirt Pocket's SuperDuper! 3.10 and earlier allow a local attacker to modify the default task template to execute an arbitrary preflight script with root privileges and Full Disk Access, thus bypassing macOS privacy controls.
Integer Overflow or Wraparound vulnerability in Avast Antivirus (25.1.981.6) on Windows allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects Antivirus: from 25.1.981.6 before 25.3.
Kiteworks MFT orchestrates end-to-end file transfer workflows. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Kiteworks MFT orchestrates end-to-end file transfer workflows. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
PubNet is a self-hosted Dart & Flutter package service. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in Apache Kvrocks.9.0 through v2.13.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
UsersController::edit in Cerebrate before 1.30 allows an authenticated non-privileged user to escalate their privileges (e.g., obtain a higher role such as admin) via the user-edit endpoint by. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Permission control vulnerability in the Settings module. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Configuration defect vulnerability in the file management module. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Permission control vulnerability in the Wi-Fi module. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Permission control vulnerability in the App Lock module. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Permission control vulnerability in the startup recovery module. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Permission control vulnerability in the print module. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.2), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Logpoint before 7.7.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 13302