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 (14596)
Concurrent Execution using Shared Resource with Improper Synchronization ('Race Condition') vulnerability in HYPR Passwordless on Windows allows Privilege Escalation.1. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9). No vendor patch available.
An issue in Blizzard Battle.net v2.40.0.15267 allows attackers to escalate privileges via placing a crafted shell script or executable into the C:\ProgramData directory. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
This High severity PrivEsc (Privilege Escalation) vulnerability was introduced in versions: 9.12.0, 10.3.0, 10.4.0, and 10.5.0 of Jira Core Data Center and Server 5.12.0, 10.3.0, 10.4.0, and 10.5.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
TYPO3 is an open source, PHP based web content management system. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Motors theme for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation via account takeover in all versions up to, and including, 5.6.67. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Epss exploitation probability 31.1% and no vendor patch available.
Broadcom Automic Automation Agent Unix versions < 24.3.0 HF4 and < 21.0.13 HF1 allow low privileged users who have execution rights on the agent executable to escalate their privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in Danny Vink User Profile Meta Manager allows Privilege Escalation.02. 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 Contempo Themes Real Estate 7 allows Privilege Escalation.5.2. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerability in mojoomla WPAMS allows Privilege Escalation.0 (17-08-2023). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The ThreatSonar Anti-Ransomware from TeamT5 has a Privilege Escalation vulnerability, allowing remote attackers with intermediate privileges to escalate their privileges to highest administrator. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
IBM i 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, and 7.6 product IBM TCP/IP Connectivity Utilities for i contains a privilege escalation vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in ThemeMove QuickCal allows Privilege Escalation.0.13. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following') vulnerability in QFileSystemEngine in the Qt corelib module on Windows which potentially allows Symlink Attacks and the use of Malicious. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Wibu CodeMeter before 8.30a sometimes allows privilege escalation immediately after installation (before a logoff or reboot). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Execution with Unnecessary Privileges vulnerability in multiple services of Mitsubishi Electric GENESIS64 all versions, Mitsubishi Electric Iconics Digital Solutions GENESIS64 all versions,. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell PowerScale InsightIQ, versions 5.0 through 5.2, contains an improper privilege management vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
net-tools is a collection of programs that form the base set of the NET-3 networking distribution for the Linux operating system. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.6), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect default permissions in some Intel(R) Gaudi(R) software installers before version 1.18 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An incorrect privilege management vulnerability in the OPSWAT MetaDefender Endpoint Security SDK used by the Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect™ app on Windows devices allows a locally authenticated. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Cross-site scripting in some Zoom Workplace Apps may allow an authenticated user to conduct an escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.6), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Time-of-check time-of-use race condition in some Zoom Workplace Apps may allow an authenticated user to conduct an escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A flaw was found in Yggdrasil, which acts as a system broker, allowing the processes to communicate to other children's "worker" processes through the DBus component. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper input validation in the UEFI firmware error handler for the Intel(R) Server D50DNP and M50FCP may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.7). No vendor patch available.
Incorrect execution-assigned permissions for some Edge Orchestrator software for Intel(R) Tiber™ Edge Platform may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect execution-assigned permissions for some Edge Orchestrator software for Intel(R) Tiber™ Edge Platform may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8). No vendor patch available.
Inadequate encryption strength for some Edge Orchestrator software for Intel(R) Tiber™ Edge Platform may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via adjacent access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) Graphics software may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Improper input validation in the UEFI firmware DXE module for the Intel(R) Server D50DNP and M50FCP boards may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Protection mechanism failure for some Edge Orchestrator software for Intel(R) Tiber™ Edge Platform may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.0). No vendor patch available.
Insecure inherited permissions in the NVM Update Utility for some Intel(R) Ethernet Network Adapter E810 Series before version 4.60 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Uncontrolled resource consumption for some Edge Orchestrator software for Intel(R) Tiber™ Edge Platform may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via adjacent. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect execution-assigned permissions for some Edge Orchestrator software for Intel(R) Tiber™ Edge Platform may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Uncontrolled search path element for some Intel(R) Network Adapter Driver installers for Windows 11 before version 29.4 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Race condition in some Administrative Tools for some Intel(R) Network Adapters package before version 29.4 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper access control in the memory controller configurations for some Intel(R) Xeon(R) 6 processor with E-cores may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.7). No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Default Permissions for some Intel(R) RealSense™ SDK software before version 2.56.2 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Improper authentication in the firmware for the Intel(R) Slim Bootloader may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1). No vendor patch available.
Time-of-check time-of-use race condition in the UEFI firmware SmiVariable driver for the Intel(R) Server D50DNP and M50FCP boards may allow a privileged user to enable escalation of privilege via. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.7). No vendor patch available.
Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) Advisor software may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Improper access control for some Edge Orchestrator software for Intel(R) Tiber™ Edge Platform may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via adjacent access. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Improper locking in the Intel(R) Integrated Connectivity I/O interface (CNVi) for some Intel(R) Core™ Ultra Processors may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) RealSense™ SDK software before version 2.56.2 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) Graphics software for Intel(R) Arc™ graphics and Intel(R) Iris(R) Xe graphics before version 32.0.101.6325/32.0.101.6252 may allow an authenticated user to. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Untrusted pointer dereference for some Intel(R) Graphics Drivers may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.9), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Uncontrolled search path element for some Intel(R) Ethernet Connection software before version 29.4 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Insecure inherited permissions for some Intel(R) Simics(R) Package Manager software before version 1.12.0 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Insufficient control flow management in the Alias Checking Trusted Module for some Intel(R) Xeon(R) 6 processor E-Cores firmware may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5). No vendor patch available.
Improper link resolution before file access ('Link Following') for some Intel(R) Graphics Driver software installers may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper restriction of software interfaces to hardware features for some Intel(R) Xeon(R) 6 processor with E-cores when using Intel(R) Trust Domain Extensions (Intel(R) TDX) or Intel(R) Software. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.6). No vendor patch available.
Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) Graphics Driver software may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) oneAPI DPC++/C++ Compiler software before version 2025.0.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Incorrect default permissions for some Endurance Gaming Mode software installers may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) Arc™ & Iris(R) Xe graphics software before version 32.0.101.6083/32.0.101.5736 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) QAT software before version 2.3.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Uncontrolled search path for some Intel(R) oneAPI Level Zero software may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
Incorrect default permissions for some Intel(R) Graphics Driver installers may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4). No vendor patch available.
A remote code execution vulnerability exists in the Windows agent component of SecureConnector due to improper access controls on a named pipe. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect default permissions in the AMD Manageability API could allow an attacker to achieve privilege escalation, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A DLL hijacking vulnerability in the AMD Manageability API could allow an attacker to achieve privilege escalation, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper privilege management in Microsoft Office SharePoint allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper privilege management in Windows Secure Kernel Mode allows an authorized attacker to elevate privileges locally. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). No vendor patch available.
A DLL hijacking vulnerability in the AMD Optimizing CPU Libraries could allow an attacker to achieve privilege escalation, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect default permissions in the AMD Optimizing CPU Libraries (AOCL) installation directory could allow an attacker to achieve privilege escalation potentially resulting in arbitrary code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Default credentials in Ivanti Cloud Services Application before version 5.0.5 allows a local authenticated attacker to escalate their privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Handling of Exceptional Conditions vulnerability in Centreon web allows Privilege Escalation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Privilege escalation in jar_signature agent plugin in Checkmk versions <2.4.0b7 (beta), <2.3.0p32, <2.2.0p42, and 2.1.0p49 (EOL) allow user with write access to JAVA_HOME/bin directory to escalate. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.2), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Authorization vulnerability in Centreon web (API Token creation form modules) allows Privilege Escalation.04.0 before 24.04.10, from 24.10.0 before 24.10.4. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Frontend Dashboard plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation due to a missing capability check on the fed_admin_setting_form_function() function in versions 1.0 to 2.2.7. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Frontend Dashboard plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation due to a missing capability check on the ajax_request() function in versions 1.0 to 2.2.7. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A correctness issue was addressed with improved checks. 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 high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The SMS Alert Order Notifications - WooCommerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation due to insufficient user OTP validation in the handleWpLoginCreateUserAction() function in. 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.
IBM Storage Scale 5.2.2.0 and 5.2.2.1, under certain configurations, could allow an authenticated user to execute privileged commands due to improper input neutralization. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in System Speedup Service in Avira Operations GmbH Avira Prime Version 1.1.96.2 on Windows 10 x64 allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in TuneupSvc in Gen Digital Inc. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in TuneupSvc in Avast Cleanup Premium Version 24.2.16593.17810 on Windows 10 Pro x64 allows local attackers to escalate privileges and execute. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in TuneUp Service in AVG TuneUp Version 23.4 (build 15592) on Windows 10 allows local attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in TuneupSvc.exe in AVG TuneUp 24.2.16593.9844 on Windows allows local attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability in NortonUtilitiesSvc in Norton Utilities Ultimate Version 24.2.16862.6344 on Windows 10 Pro x64 allows local attackers to escalate privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Local Privilege Escalation in Avira.Spotlight.Service.exe in Avira Prime 1.1.96.2 on Windows 10 x64 allows local attackers to gain system-level privileges via arbitrary file deletion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A flaw was found in the Mirror Registry. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Frontend Login and Registration Blocks plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation via account takeover in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.7. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and EPSS exploitation probability 12.7%.
The IMITHEMES Listing plugin is vulnerable to privilege escalation via account takeover in all versions up to, and including, 3.3. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The WPBookit plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation via account takeover in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.2. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
The WPBookit plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation via account takeover in all versions up to, and including, 1.0.2. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
On Arista CloudVision systems (virtual or physical on-premise deployments), Zero Touch Provisioning can be used to gain admin privileges on the CloudVision system, with more permissions than. Rated critical severity (CVSS 10.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
On affected versions of the Arista CloudVision Portal (CVP on-prem), the time-bound device onboarding token can be used to gain admin privileges on CloudVision. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
BrightSign players running BrightSign OS series 4 prior to v8.5.53.1 or series 5 prior to v9.0.166 contain an execution with unnecessary privileges vulnerability, allowing for privilege escalation on. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Authorization vulnerability in OpenText™ Operations Bridge Manager. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 14596