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 (13305)
Potential privilege escalation vulnerability in Revenera InstallShield versions 2022 R2 and 2021 R2 due to adding InstallScript custom action to a Basic MSI or InstallScript MSI project extracting. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
VMware Aria Operations for Logs contains a privilege escalation vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Media Manager for UserPro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data that can lead to privilege escalation due to a missing capability check on the add_capto_img(). Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Media Manager for UserPro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data that can lead to privilege escalation due to a missing capability check on the upm_upload_media(). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Royal Core plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data that can lead to privilege escalation due to a missing capability check on the 'royal_restore_backup' function. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The MWB HubSpot for WooCommerce - CRM, Abandoned Cart, Email Marketing, Marketing Automation & Analytics plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data that can lead to. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
A vulnerability in the NetExtender Windows client log export function allows unauthorized access to sensitive Windows system files, potentially leading to privilege escalation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Privilege escalation vulnerability has been found in Wondershare Dr.Fone version 13.5.21. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Snowflake Connector for Python provides an interface for developing Python applications that can connect to Snowflake and perform all standard operations. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources due to overly permissive default settings.
The Snowflake Connector for Python provides an interface for developing Python applications that can connect to Snowflake and perform all standard operations. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code through malicious serialized objects.
snowflake-connector-net is the Snowflake Connector for .NET. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.0), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources due to overly permissive default settings.
Snowflake JDBC provides a JDBC type 4 driver that supports core functionality, allowing Java program to connect to Snowflake. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources due to overly permissive default settings.
Snowflake JDBC provides a JDBC type 4 driver that supports core functionality, allowing Java program to connect to Snowflake. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
IBM Aspera Faspex 5.0.0 through 5.0.10 could allow a privileged user to make system changes without proper access controls. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
When copying files with rsync, octorpki uses the "-a" flag 0, which forces rsync to copy binaries with the suid bit set as root. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5). This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Local privilege escalation due to insecure folder permissions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7). No vendor patch available.
In shouldSkipForInitialSUW of AdvancedPowerUsageDetail.java, there is a possible way to bypass factory reset protections due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In checkKeyIntent of AccountManagerService.java, there is a possible way to bypass intent security check and install an unknown app due to a confused deputy. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.7), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In onCreate of ChooserActivity.java, there is a possible way to bypass factory reset protections due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In TBD of TBD, there is a possible use after free due to a race condition. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In TBD of TBD, there is a possible use after free due to a race condition. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In TBD of TBD, there is a possible use-after-free due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In TBD of TBD, there is a possible use-after-free due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In _DevmemXReservationPageAddress of devicemem_server.c, there is a possible use-after-free due to improper casting. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In DevmemXIntMapPages of devicemem_server.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to an integer overflow. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In RGXMMUCacheInvalidate of rgxmem.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to a race condition. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists in the web-based management interface of HPE Aruba Networking Fabric Composer. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In TdlsexRxFrameHandle of the MTK WLAN driver, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In JetBrains ReSharper before 2024.3.4, 2024.2.8, and 2024.1.7, Rider before 2024.3.4, 2024.2.8, and 2024.1.7, dotTrace before 2024.3.4, 2024.2.8, and 2024.1.7, ETW Host Service before 16.43, Local. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8). No vendor patch available.
CMSimple 5.16 allows the user to edit log.php file via print page. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue in youdiancms v.9.5.20 and before allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via the sessionID parameter in the index.php file. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with improved validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed through improved state management. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This issue was addressed with improved message validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with additional restrictions. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Electronic Arts Dragon Age Origins 1.05, the DAUpdaterSVC service contains an unquoted service path vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Missing Authorization vulnerability in CodeSolz Better Find and Replace allows Privilege Escalation.6.7. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Core creation allows users to replace "trusted" configset files with arbitrary configuration Solr instances that (1) use the "FileSystemConfigSetService" component (the default in "standalone" or. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An improper privilege management vulnerability in OTRS Generic Interface module allows change of the Ticket status even if the user only has ro permissions. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Zox News theme for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data that can lead to privilege escalation due to a missing capability check on the 'backup_options' and. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Local privilege escalation in G DATA Security Client due to incorrect assignment of privileges to directories. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Local privilege escalation due to incorrect assignment of privileges of temporary files in the update mechanism of G DATA Management Server. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In One Identity Identity Manager 9.x before 9.3, an insecure direct object reference (IDOR) vulnerability allows privilege escalation. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Deepin dde-api-proxy through 1.0.19 in which unprivileged users can access D-Bus services as root. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DLL hijacking vulnerabilities, caused by an uncontrolled search path in the USBXpress Win 98SE Dev Kit installer can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution when running the. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DLL hijacking vulnerabilities, caused by an uncontrolled search path in the USBXpress SDK installer can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution when running the impacted installer. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DLL hijacking vulnerabilities, caused by an uncontrolled search path in the USBXpress 4 SDK installer can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution when running the impacted installer. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DLL hijacking vulnerabilities, caused by an uncontrolled search path in the USBXpress Dev Kit installer can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution when running the impacted. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DLL hijacking vulnerabilities, caused by an uncontrolled search path in the CP210x VCP Windows installer can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution when running the impacted. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DLL hijacking vulnerabilities, caused by an uncontrolled search path in the CP210 VCP Win 2k installer can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution when running the impacted. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DLL hijacking vulnerabilities, caused by an uncontrolled search path in the ToolStick installer can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution when running the impacted installer. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DLL hijacking vulnerabilities, caused by an uncontrolled search path in Flash Programming Utility installer can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution when running the impacted. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DLL hijacking vulnerabilities, caused by an uncontrolled search path in Configuration Wizard 2 installer can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution when running the impacted. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DLL hijacking vulnerabilities, caused by an uncontrolled search path in Silicon Labs (8-bit) IDE installer can lead to privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution when running the impacted. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Directus is a real-time API and App dashboard for managing SQL database content. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Xerox Workplace Suite has weak default folder permissions that allow unauthorized users to access, modify, or delete files. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in Cloudflare WARP on Windows allows File Manipulation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Thermo Fisher Scientific Xcalibur before 4.7 SP1 and Thermo Foundation Instrument Control Software (ICSW) before 3.1 SP10, the driver packages have a local privilege escalation vulnerability due. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Jenkins OpenId Connect Authentication Plugin 4.452.v2849b_d3945fa_ and earlier, except 4.438.440.v3f5f201de5dc, treats usernames as case-insensitive, allowing attackers on Jenkins instances. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability was found in `podman build` and `buildah.` This issue occurs in a container breakout by using --jobs=2 and a race condition when building a malicious Containerfile. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In growData of Parcel.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In checkKeyIntentParceledCorrectly of AccountManagerService.java, there is a possible way to bypass parcel mismatch mitigation due to unsafe deserialization. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In onCreate of NotificationAccessConfirmationActivity.java , there is a possible way to hide an app with notification access in Settings due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In writeInplace of Parcel.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In applyTaskFragmentOperation of WindowOrganizerController.java, there is a possible way to launch arbitrary activities as the system UID due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In multiple locations, there is a possible failure to persist permissions settings due to resource exhaustion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In multiple functions of CompanionDeviceManagerService.java, there is a possible way to grant permissions without user consent due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In multiple functions of AccountManagerService.java, there is a possible way to bypass permissions and launch protected activities due to a race condition. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). No vendor patch available.
In multiple locations, there is a possible way to obtain access to a folder due to a tapjacking/overlay attack. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In multiple locations, there is a possible way to obtain any system permission due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In multiple locations, there is a possible bypass of user consent to enabling new Bluetooth HIDs due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In setActualDefaultRingtoneUri of RingtoneManager.java, there is a possible way to bypass content providers read permissions due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle Analytics Desktop product of Oracle Analytics (component: Install). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Northern.tech Mender Client 4.x before 4.0.5 has Insecure Permissions. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In JetBrains Hub before 2024.3.55417 privilege escalation was possible via LDAP authentication mapping. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerability in NotFound Homey Login Register allows Privilege Escalation.4.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerability in NotFound Easy Real Estate allows Privilege Escalation.2.6. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
IBM Robotic Process Automation 21.0.0 through 21.0.7.17 and 23.0.0 through 23.0.18 could allow a local user to escalate their privileges. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Adifier System plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation via account takeover in all versions up to, and including, 3.1.7. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Epss exploitation probability 10.6% and no vendor patch available.
In multiple locations, there is a possible way to read protected files due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In onAttachFragment of ShareIntentActivity.java, there is a possible way for an app to read files in the messages app due to a race condition. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0).
In NlpService, there is a possible way to obtain location information due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In BnDmAgent::onTransact of dm_agent.cpp, 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 many locations, there is a possible way to access kernel memory in user space due to an incorrect bounds check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In ip6_append_data of ip6_output.c, there is a possible way to achieve code execution due to a heap buffer overflow. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In multiple functions of mnh-sm.c, there is a possible way to trigger a heap overflow due to an integer overflow. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
zot is a production-ready vendor-neutral OCI image registry. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
In multiple functions of Parcel.cpp, there is a possible way to bypass address space layout randomization. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources due to overly permissive default settings.
In multiple functions of WifiServiceImpl.java, there is a possible way to activate Wi-Fi hotspot from a non-owner profile due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 13305