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 (13343)
A DLL hijacking vulnerability in Samsung Memory Card & UFD Authentication Utility PC Software before 1.0.1 could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Execution-Assigned Permissions vulnerability in Saphira Saphira Connect allows Privilege Escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability in Saphira Saphira Connect allows Privilege Escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Execution with Unnecessary Privileges vulnerability in Saphira Saphira Connect allows Remote Code Inclusion. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in OPSWAT MetaDefender KIOSK 4.6.1.9996. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A Privilege escalation vulnerability exists in Trellix Windows DLP endpoint for windows which can be abused to delete any file/folder for which the user does not have permission to. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The com.cutestudio.colordialer application through 2.1.8-2 for Android allows a remote attacker to initiate phone calls without user consent, because of improper export of the. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the classic access control list (ACL) compression feature of Cisco IOS XR Software could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass the protection that is offered by a. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The BAN Users plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation in versions up to, and including, 1.5.3 due to a missing capability check on the 'w3dev_save_ban_user_settings_callback'. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's net/sched: sch_qfq component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Files or Directories Accessible to External Parties vulnerability in Honeywell PM43 on 32 bit, ARM (Printer web page modules) allows Privilege Escalation.19.050004. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Untrusted search path in CleanZoom before file date 07/24/2023 may allow a privileged user to conduct an escalation of privilege via local access. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Microsoft Office Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Weak access control in Wing FTP Server (Admin Web Client) allows for privilege escalation.2.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Insecure default permissions in Wing FTP Server (Admin Web Client) allows for privilege escalation.2.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
NVIDIA ConnectX Host Firmware for the BlueField Data Processing Unit contains a vulnerability where a restricted host may cause an incorrect user management error. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In MtpPropertyValue of MtpProperty.h, there is a possible memory corruption due to a use after free. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In avdt_msg_asmbl of avdt_msg.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability could allow attackers to write data beyond allocated buffer boundaries leading to code execution or crashes.
In hasPermissionForActivity of PackageManagerHelper.java, there is a possible way to start arbitrary components due to a confused deputy. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In createQuickShareAction of SaveImageInBackgroundTask.java, there is a possible way to trigger a background activity launch due to an unsafe PendingIntent. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In onCreate of WindowState.java, there is a possible way to launch a background activity due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
In onHostEmulationData of HostEmulationManager.java, there is a possible way for a general purpose NFC reader to read the full card number and expiry details when the device is in locked screen mode. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
In computeValuesFromData of FileUtils.java, there is a possible way to insert files to other apps' external private directories due to a path traversal error. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In checkKeyIntentParceledCorrectly of AccountManagerService.java, there is a possible way to control other running activities due to unsafe deserialization. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code through malicious serialized objects.
In updateList of NotificationAccessSettings.java, there is a possible way to hide approved notification listeners in the settings due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
In bta_av_rc_msg of bta_av_act.cc, there is a possible use after free due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In multiple files, there is a possible way to import a contact from another user due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In gatt_process_prep_write_rsp of gatt_cl.cc, there is a possible privilege escalation due to a use after free. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
An issue was discovered in Inosoft VisiWin 7 through 2022-2.1 (Runtime RT7.3 RC3 20221209.5). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in TSplus Remote Access through 16.0.2.14. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in TSplus Remote Access through 16.0.2.14. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
IBM QRadar WinCollect Agent 10.0 through 10.1.6, when installed to run as ADMIN or SYSTEM, is vulnerable to a local escalation of privilege attack that a normal user could utilize to gain SYSTEM. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Redis is an in-memory database that persists on disk. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's net/sched: sch_hfsc (HFSC qdisc traffic control) component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Use After Free vulnerability could allow attackers to access freed memory to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's af_unix component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). This Use After Free vulnerability could allow attackers to access freed memory to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's netfilter: nf_tables component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). This Use After Free vulnerability could allow attackers to access freed memory to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's net/sched: cls_u32 component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's net/sched: cls_fw component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Use After Free vulnerability could allow attackers to access freed memory to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's net/sched: cls_route component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Use After Free vulnerability could allow attackers to access freed memory to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's netfilter: nf_tables component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Use After Free vulnerability could allow attackers to access freed memory to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's netfilter: nf_tables component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Use After Free vulnerability could allow attackers to access freed memory to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
Wacom Drivers for Windows Link Following Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Wacom Drivers for Windows Incorrect Permission Assignment Local Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper privilege management vulnerability in FolderLockNotifier in One UI Home prior to SMR Sep-2023 Release 1 allows local attackers to change some settings of the folder lock. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permissions issue was addressed with improved redaction of sensitive information. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved checks. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
GE CIMPLICITY 2023 is by a process control vulnerability, which could allow a local attacker to insert malicious configuration files in the expected web server execution path to escalate privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Cacti is an open source operational monitoring and fault management framework. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Cacti is an open source operational monitoring and fault management framework. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Cacti is an open source operational monitoring and fault management framework. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Cacti is an open source operational monitoring and fault management framework. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
KnowStreaming 3.3.0 is vulnerable to Escalation of Privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Incomplete List of Disallowed Inputs vulnerability in Unisign Bookreen allows Privilege Escalation.0.0. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In connectivity system driver, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In wlan driver, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In power, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an insecure default value. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In stc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3). No vendor patch available.
In imgsys_cmdq, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing valid range checking. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In imgsys_cmdq, there is a possible use after free due to a missing valid range checking. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In imgsys_cmdq, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing valid range checking. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In imgsys_cmdq, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing valid range checking. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In imgsys, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing valid range checking. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In imgsys, there is a possible out of bounds read and write due to a missing valid range checking. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In seninf, 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 camsys, there is a possible use after free due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4). No vendor patch available.
In pda, there is a possible use after free due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4). No vendor patch available.
In gps, 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 gps, 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 gps, 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 gps, 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 gps, 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 ims service, there is a possible memory corruption due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4). No vendor patch available.
In netdagent, 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 nvram, 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 gnss service, 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 vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vowifiservice, there is a possible missing permission check.This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform offering runtime services for applications built on top of it. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.3), 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.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 13343