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 (14588)
A vulnerability exists in Quick Heal Total Security 23.0.0 in the quarantine management component where insufficient validation of restore paths and improper permission handling allow a low-privileged local user to restore quarantined files into protected system directories. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Endpoint Privilege Manager versions up to 25.10.0 is affected by improper privilege management (CVSS 7.8).
A flaw was found in Moodle. An authorization logic flaw, specifically due to incomplete role checks during the badge awarding process, allowed badges to be granted without proper verification. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
Fabric Operating System versions up to 9.2.1 is affected by execution with unnecessary privileges (CVSS 5.5).
Local privilege escalation in Android's PCIe driver stems from an out-of-bounds write vulnerability caused by insufficient bounds validation, allowing attackers with system-level privileges to escalate their access without user interaction. This medium-severity vulnerability (CVSS 5.3) affects Android devices and currently has no available patch. The CWE-787 vulnerability requires an attacker to already possess system privileges, limiting the immediate exploitation scope.
Android's imgsys component contains a use-after-free vulnerability that allows privilege escalation when exploited by an attacker who already has system-level access. The flaw requires no user interaction and could enable a malicious actor to escalate their privileges further within the device. Currently, no patch is available to address this vulnerability.
Android versions up to 15.0 contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to local escalation of privilege if a malicious actor has already obtained the Syst (CVSS 6.7).
Local privilege escalation in Android's imgsys component allows system-level processes to achieve full system compromise through an out-of-bounds write caused by insufficient bounds validation. An attacker with existing system privileges can exploit this flaw without user interaction to gain complete control over the affected device. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
PsySH versions prior to 0.11.23 and 0.12.19 automatically execute a `.psysh.php` file from the current working directory during startup, allowing local attackers with write access to a directory to achieve arbitrary code execution when a user launches PsySH from that location. When a privileged user such as root or a CI runner executes PsySH in an attacker-controlled directory, this results in local privilege escalation. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability and no patch is currently available.
its service configuration contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges (CVSS 7.8).
Planting a custom configuration file in ESET Inspect Connector allow load a malicious DLL.
Client-side password hashing in N3uron Web UI v1.21.7 allows privilege escalation. Weak hashing enables attackers to forge authentication credentials. PoC available.
An issue in Shirt Pocket's SuperDuper! 3.11 and earlier allow a local attacker to modify the default task template to install an arbitrary package that can run shell scripts with root privileges and Full Disk Access, thus bypassing macOS privacy controls. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
CWE-276: Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability exists that could cause privilege escalation through the reverse shell when one or more executable service binaries are modified in the installation folder by a local user with normal privilege upon service restart.
10-Strike Bandwidth Monitor 3.9 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in multiple services that allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Attackers can place a malicious executable in specific file path locations to achieve privilege escalation to SYSTEM during service startup. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NocoDB versions prior to 0.301.0 contain an open redirect vulnerability in the login flow where the `continueAfterSignIn` parameter is not validated, allowing attackers to redirect authenticated users to arbitrary external websites. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, which enables phishing attacks by abusing user trust in the legitimate login process to facilitate credential theft through social engineering. Authenticated users are at risk of being redirected to attacker-controlled domains immediately after successful login.
Discourse is an open source discussion platform. A privilege escalation vulnerability in versions prior to 3.5.4, 2025.11.2, 2025.12.1, and 2026.1.0 allows a non-admin moderator to bypass email-change restrictions, allowing a takeover of non-staff accounts. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
NVIDIA vGPU software contains a vulnerability in the Virtual GPU Manager, where a malicious guest could cause heap memory access after the memory is freed. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA Display Driver for Linux contains a vulnerability in the NVIDIA kernel module where an attacker could cause an integer overflow or wraparound. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA GPU Display Driver for Windows contains a vulnerability in the kernel mode layer (nvlddmkm.sys), where an attacker could cause an integer overflow. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA Display Driver for Windows contains a vulnerability where an attacker could trigger a use after free. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, data tampering, denial of service, and information disclosure. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
M/Monit 3.7.4 contains a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows authenticated users to modify user permissions by manipulating the admin parameter. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Symantec Endpoint Protection, prior to 14.3 RU10 Patch 1, RU9 Patch 2, and RU8 Patch 3, may be susceptible to a Elevation of Privilege vulnerability, which is a type of issue whereby an attacker may attempt to compromise the software application to gain elevated access to resources that are normally protected from an application or user. [CVSS 6.7 MEDIUM]
WSS Agent, prior to 9.8.5, may be susceptible to a Elevation of Privilege vulnerability, which is a type of issue whereby an attacker may attempt to compromise the software application to gain elevated access to resources that are normally protected from an application or user. [CVSS 7.0 HIGH]
A security issue has been identified in ibaPDA that could allow unauthorized actions on the file system under certain conditions. This may impact the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of the system.
its Windows service configuration contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code (CVSS 7.8).
ElevationService executable contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to potentially inject malicious code (CVSS 7.8).
NVIDIA runx contains a vulnerability where an attacker could cause a code injection. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, denial of service, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Acronis Cloud Manager for Windows before build 6.4.25342.354 is vulnerable to local privilege escalation through improperly configured folder permissions, allowing authenticated users with low privileges to escalate to higher privileges. An attacker with local access and user interaction can exploit this vulnerability to gain full system control. No patch is currently available for this vulnerability.
WinAVR version 20100110 contains an insecure permissions vulnerability that allows authenticated users to modify system files and executables. Attackers can leverage the overly permissive access controls to potentially modify critical DLLs and executable files in the WinAVR installation directory. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Insufficient authorization checks in SAP Fiori App Intercompany Balance Reconciliation allow authenticated users to access data beyond their intended permissions, resulting in privilege escalation with limited confidentiality impact. An attacker with valid credentials can exploit this flaw to view sensitive financial reconciliation information they should not have access to. No patch is currently available.
A flaw was found in the GnuTLS library, specifically in the gnutls_pkcs11_token_init() function that handles PKCS#11 token initialization. When a token label longer than expected is processed, the function writes past the end of a fixed-size stack buffer. [CVSS 4.0 MEDIUM]
Access control bypass in SpringBlade v4.5.0 importUser function allows low-privileged users to import sensitive user data and escalate privileges. PoC available.
A local privilege escalation vulnerability has been identified in the Kaba exos 9300 System management application (d9sysdef.exe).
SpringBlade v4.5.0 has an access control flaw in authRoutes allowing low-privileged users to escalate to admin through the authentication routing mechanism.
Improper permissions in the handler for the Custom URL Scheme in ToDesktop Builder v0.33.0 allows attackers with renderer-context access to invoke external protocol handlers without sufficient validation. [CVSS 7.1 HIGH]
Melapress Role Editor (WordPress plugin) versions up to 1.1.1. is affected by incorrect authorization (CVSS 8.8).
A WebSocket endpoint lacks proper authentication, allowing unauthenticated users to connect and interact with real-time data streams and server-side functionality.
A low-privileged user can bypass account credentials without confirming the user's current authentication state, which may lead to unauthorized privilege escalation.
An issue with WordPress directory names in WebPros WordPress Toolkit versions up to 6.9.1 is affected by path traversal (CVSS 8.8).
VB-Audio Matrix and Matrix Coconut (versions ending in 1.0.2.2 and 2.0.2.2 and earlier, respectively), contain a local privilege escalation vulnerability in the VBMatrix VAIO virtual audio driver (vbmatrixvaio64*_win10.sys).
Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerability in e-plugins Final User final-user allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects Final User: from n/a through <= 1.2.5. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerability in e-plugins WP Membership wp-membership allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects WP Membership: from n/a through <= 1.6.4. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
e-plugins Hospital Doctor Directory hospital-doctor-directory contains a security vulnerability (CVSS 8.8).
e-plugins Institutions Directory institutions-directory contains a security vulnerability (CVSS 8.8).
LazyTasks project management WordPress plugin has an incorrect privilege assignment vulnerability allowing low-privileged users to escalate to administrator, gaining full site control.
Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerability in Themefic Hydra Booking hydra-booking allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects Hydra Booking: from n/a through <= 1.1.32. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerability in e-plugins Lawyer Directory lawyer-directory allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects Lawyer Directory: from n/a through <= 1.3.3. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Booking Activities Team Booking Activities booking-activities contains a security vulnerability (CVSS 8.1).
Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerability in Jthemes xSmart xsmart allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects xSmart: from n/a through <= 1.2.9.4. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Malicious wheel files can modify file permissions on critical system files during extraction in Python wheel versions 0.40.0-0.46.1, enabling attackers to alter SSH keys, configuration files, or executable scripts. This path traversal and permission manipulation flaw affects systems unpacking untrusted wheels and can lead to privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution. Public exploit code exists for this vulnerability, though a patch is available in version 0.46.2.
Privilege escalation in openCryptoki 2.3.2+ allows token-group members to exploit insecure symlink handling in group-writable token directories, enabling file operations on arbitrary filesystem targets when the library runs with elevated privileges. An attacker with token-group membership can plant symlinks to redirect administrative operations, potentially leading to privilege escalation or unauthorized data access. A patch is available.
Flux Operator versions 0.36.0 through 0.39.x contain an authentication bypass in the Web UI that allows authenticated users to escalate privileges and execute API requests with the operator's service account permissions. The vulnerability affects deployments where OIDC providers issue incomplete token claims or custom CEL expressions evaluate to empty values, bypassing Kubernetes RBAC impersonation controls. Cluster administrators running affected Flux Operator versions should upgrade to 0.40.0 or later.
Rockstar Games Launcher 1.0.37.349 contains a privilege escalation vulnerability that allows authenticated users to modify the service executable with weak permissions. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
A flaw was found in the Keycloak Admin REST API. This vulnerability allows the exposure of backend schema and rules, potentially leading to targeted attacks or privilege escalation via improper access control. [CVSS 2.7 LOW]
Academy LMS WordPress plugin has a privilege escalation vulnerability allowing unauthenticated users to bypass access controls and gain elevated privileges on WordPress sites.
NVIDIA Merlin Transformers4Rec for all platforms contains a vulnerability where an attacker could cause code injection. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, information disclosure, and data tampering. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA Nsight Systems for Windows contains a vulnerability in the application’s DLL loading mechanism where an attacker could cause an uncontrolled search path element by exploiting insecure DLL search paths. [CVSS 6.7 MEDIUM]
NVIDIA Nsight Systems for Linux contains a vulnerability in the .run installer, where an attacker could cause an OS command injection by supplying a malicious string to the installation path. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
NVIDIA Nsight Visual Studio for Windows contains a vulnerability in Nsight Monitor where an attacker can execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the NVIDIA Nsight Visual Studio Edition Monitor application. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
NVIDIA Nsight Systems contains a vulnerability in the gfx_hotspot recipe, where an attacker could cause an OS command injection by supplying a malicious string to the process_nsys_rep_cli.py script if the script is invoked manually. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
Applinx versions up to 11.1.0 is affected by improper verification of cryptographic signature (CVSS 7.3).
The Creator LMS - The LMS for Creators, Coaches, and Trainers plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data that can lead to privilege escalation due to a missing capability check in the get_items_permissions_check function in all versions up to, and including, 1.1.12. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Advanced Custom Fields: Extended plugin for WordPress has a privilege escalation vulnerability allowing unauthenticated users to gain admin access in all versions up to the latest.
The RegistrationMagic WordPress plugin up to version 6.0 allows unauthenticated privilege escalation, enabling attackers to create admin accounts and take over WordPress sites.
In cpm_fwtp_msg_handler of cpm/google/lib/tracepoint/cpm_fwtp_ipc.c, there is a possible memory overwrite due to improper input validation. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
The vulnerability, if exploited, could allow an authenticated miscreant (OS Standard User) to trick Process Optimization services into loading arbitrary code and escalate privileges to OS System, potentially resulting in complete compromise of the Model Application Server. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
The vulnerability, if exploited, could allow an authenticated miscreant (Process Optimization Designer User) to embed OLE objects into graphics, and escalate their privileges to the identity of a victim user who subsequently interacts with the graphical elements. [CVSS 7.4 HIGH]
Dolibarr ERP-CRM 14.0.2 contains a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in the ticket creation module that allows low-privilege users to inject malicious scripts. [CVSS 5.4 MEDIUM]
Laravel Valet versions 1.1.4 to 2.0.3 contain a local privilege escalation vulnerability that allows users to modify the valet command with root privileges. Attackers can edit the symlinked valet command to execute arbitrary code with root permissions without additional authentication. [CVSS 8.4 HIGH]
A local information disclosure vulnerability exists in the Ludashi driver before 5.1025 due to a lack of access control in the IOCTL handler. This driver exposes a device interface accessible to a normal user and handles attacker-controlled structures containing the lower 4GB of physical addresses. [CVSS 7.3 HIGH]
A local privilege escalation vulnerability exists during the installation of Epic Games Store via the Microsoft Store. A low-privilege user can replace a DLL file during the installation process, which may result in unintended elevation of privileges. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
its Sudo configuration contains a vulnerability that allows attackers to gain root access (CVSS 6.2).
10-Strike Network Inventory Explorer Pro 9.31 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the srvInventoryWebServer service running with LocalSystem privileges. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
MilleGPG5 5.7.2 contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability that allows authenticated users to modify service executable files in the MariaDB bin directory. Attackers can replace the mysqld.exe with a malicious executable, which will execute with system privileges when the computer restarts. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
NVIDIA NSIGHT Graphics for Linux contains a vulnerability where an attacker could cause command injection. A successful exploit of this vulnerability might lead to code execution, escalation of privileges, data tampering, and denial of service. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
Lack of authorization of the InputManager D-Bus interface in InputPlumber versions before v0.63.0 can lead to local Denial-of-Service, information leak or even privilege escalation in the context of the currently active user session.
Harmonyos versions up to 6.0.0 is affected by permissions, privileges, and access controls (CVSS 5.7).
Teamspeak versions up to 3.5.6 is affected by incorrect permission assignment for critical resource (CVSS 7.8).
Cyclades Serial Console Server 3.3.0 contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability due to overly permissive sudo privileges for the admin user and admin group. [CVSS 6.2 MEDIUM]
WAGO PFC200 G2 PLC (firmware affected) allows privilege escalation through cookie manipulation. Users can modify cookie values to gain admin privileges. PoC available.
CoolerMaster MasterPlus 1.8.5 contains an unquoted service path vulnerability in the MPService that allows local attackers to execute code with elevated system privileges. [CVSS 8.4 HIGH]
A local privilege-escalation vulnerability has been discovered in the HPE Aruba Networking Virtual Intranet Access (VIA) client. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a local attacker to achieve arbitrary code execution with root privileges. [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
In the Linux kernel, the following vulnerability has been resolved: iommu: disable SVA when CONFIG_X86 is set Patch series "Fix stale IOTLB entries for kernel address space", v7. This proposes a fix for a security vulnerability related to IOMMU Shared Virtual Addressing (SVA). [CVSS 7.8 HIGH]
A vulnerability has been identified in the installation/uninstallation of the Nessus Agent Tray App on Windows Hosts which could lead to escalation of privileges. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
A vulnerability has been identified in TeleControl Server Basic (All versions < V3.1.2.4). Affected application contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability that could allow an attacker to run arbitrary code with elevated privileges. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
ServiceNow AI Platform has a user impersonation vulnerability allowing unauthenticated attackers to impersonate any user and perform their authorized actions. ServiceNow has deployed patches to hosted instances and self-hosted updates are available.
Automai Director v25.2.0 allows authenticated users to escalate to full administrative privileges with scope change (CVSS 9.9). Low-privileged users can take complete control of the automation platform.
Kace Desktop Authority versions up to 11.3.1 is affected by incorrect default permissions (CVSS 5.3).
Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key vulnerability in Broadcom DX NetOps Spectrum on Windows, Linux allows Privilege Escalation.This issue affects DX NetOps Spectrum: 24.3.10 and earlier. [CVSS 8.8 HIGH]
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 14588