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 (14609)
Incorrect Privilege Assignment vulnerability in iqbalrony WP User Switch wp-user-switch allows Privilege Escalation.1.3. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Privilege escalation in uberAgent. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A Missing Authorization vulnerability in the Socket Intercept (SI) command file interface of Juniper Networks Junos OS Evolved allows an authenticated, low-privilege local attacker to modify certain. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
privilege escalation, and potentially kernel execution when a malicious actor with local user access crafts a script/program using an IOCTL call in the Foxboro.sys driver. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The JSON API User plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation in all versions up to, and including, 3.9.3. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Epss exploitation probability 43.5%.
Local Privilege escalation allows a low-privileged user to gain SYSTEM privileges in Citrix Workspace app for Windows. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Local Privilege escalation allows a low-privileged user to gain SYSTEM privileges in Virtual Delivery Agent for Windows used by Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops and Citrix DaaS. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Bypass of GACS Policy Configuration settings in Citrix Workspace app for HTML5. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources due to overly permissive default settings.
Vulnerability in Jaspersoft JasperReport Servers.0.4 through 9.0.0. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.6), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The ProfileGrid - User Profiles, Groups and Communities plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to privilege escalation in all versions up to, and including, 5.8.9. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.5 and 9.0 could allow a remote authenticated attacker, who has authorized access to the administrative console, to execute arbitrary code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In PVRSRV_MMap of pvr_bridge_k.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution 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 DevmemIntUnexportCtx of devicemem_server.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to a race condition. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). No vendor patch available.
In _UnrefAndMaybeDestroy of pmr.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to a race condition. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). No vendor patch available.
In onTransact of ParcelableListBinder.java , there is a possible way to steal mAllowlistToken to launch an app from background due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In smp_proc_rand of smp_act.cc, there is a possible authentication bypass during legacy BLE pairing due to incorrect implementation of a protocol. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
In com_android_internal_os_ZygoteCommandBuffer_nativeForkRepeatedly of com_android_internal_os_ZygoteCommandBuffer.cpp, there is a possible method to perform arbitrary code execution in any app. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In multiple functions of StatsService.cpp, 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 DevmemIntChangeSparse2 of devicemem_server.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution 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 DevmemIntFreeDefBackingPage of devicemem_server.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution 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 way to bypass a restriction on adding new Wi-Fi connections 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 setMimeGroup of PackageManagerService.java, there is a possible way to hide the service from Settings due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In multiple functions of MessageQueueBase.h, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a race condition. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0).
In multiple locations, there is a possible way in which policy migration code will never be executed due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In multiple locations, there is a possible way to reveal images across users data 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 hide of WindowState.java, there is a possible way to bypass tapjacking/overlay protection by launching the activity in portrait mode first and then rotating it to landscape mode. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In onCreate of multiple files, there is a possible way to trick the user into granting health permissions due to tapjacking. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In updateServicesLocked of AccessibilityManagerService.java, there is a possible way for an app to be hidden from the Setting while retaining Accessibility Service due to improper input validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
In setSkipPrompt of AssociationRequest.java , there is a possible way to establish a companion device association without any confirmation due to CDM. 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 updateNotificationChannelFromPrivilegedListener of NotificationManagerService.java, there is a possible cross-user data leak due to a confused deputy. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In CompanionDeviceManagerService.java, there is a possible way to pair a companion device without user acceptance 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 multiple functions of ZygoteProcess.java, there is a possible way to achieve code execution as any app via WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS 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 onResult of AccountManagerService.java, there is a possible way to perform an arbitrary background activity launch due to parcel mismatch. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In multiple functions of ManagedServices.java, there is a possible way to hide an app with notification access in the Device & app notifications settings due to improper input validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
In availableToWriteBytes of MessageQueueBase.h, 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. This Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability could allow attackers to write data beyond allocated buffer boundaries leading to code execution or crashes.
In multiple locations, there is a possible information leak due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources due to overly permissive default settings.
In increment_annotation_count of stats_event.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is 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 newServiceInfoLocked of AutofillManagerServiceImpl.java, there is a possible way to hide an enabled Autofill service app in the Autofill service settings due to improper input validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
In DevmemXIntUnreserveRange of devicemem_server.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution 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 RGXFWChangeOSidPriority of rgxfwutils.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to a missing bounds check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In RGXCreateHWRTData_aux of rgxta3d.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to a use after free. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In RGXCreateZSBufferKM of rgxta3d.c, there is a possible arbitrary code execution due to a use after free. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In CacheOpPMRExec of cache_km.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Tencent RapidJSON is vulnerable to privilege escalation due to an integer overflow in the `GenericReader::ParseNumber()` function of `include/rapidjson/reader.h` when parsing JSON text from a stream. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Microsoft Defender for IoT Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in themeenergy BookYourTravel allows Privilege Escalation.18.17. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in SINEMA Remote Connect Server (All versions < V3.2 SP1). Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability has been identified in SINEMA Remote Connect Server (All versions < V3.2 SP1). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in Dylan James Zephyr Project Manager allows Privilege Escalation.3.97. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in Brainstorm Force Ultimate Addons for Elementor allows Privilege Escalation.36.31. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Local privilege escalation in WatchGuard Mobile VPN with SSL client on Windows allows any local user to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges via a command injection flaw (CWE-77). The vulnerability resides in the Windows client application and requires only local system access with no special prior privileges. No active exploitation has been confirmed (not listed in CISA KEV), and the EPSS score of 0.31% (23rd percentile) indicates low current exploitation probability; no public exploit identified at time of analysis.
A vulnerability has been identified in Medicalis Workflow Orchestrator (All versions). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue in Eskooly Free Online School management Software v.3.0 and before allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via a crafted request to the Password Change mechanism. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue in Eskooly Free Online School management Software v.3.0 and before allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via the HTTP Response Header Settings component. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue in Eskooly Free Online School management Software v.3.0 and before allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via the User Account Mangemnt component in the authentication mechanism. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue in Eskooly Free Online School management Software v.3.0 and before allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via the Sin-up process function in the account settings. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue in Eskooly Free Online School management Software v.3.0 and before allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via the authentication mechanism. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Insecure permissions in 14Finger v1.1 allow attackers to escalate privileges from normal user to Administrator via a crafted POST request. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability in Smart Device Communication Gateway preinstalled on MELIPC Series MI5122-VW firmware versions "05" to "07" allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Insecure Permissions vulnerability in Micro-Star International Co., Ltd MSI Center v.2.0.36.0 allows a local attacker to escalate privileges via the Export System Info function in. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue discovered in MSP360 Backup Agent v7.8.5.15 and v7.9.4.84 allows attackers to obtain network share credentials used in a backup due to enginesettings.list being encrypted with a hard coded. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper privilege management in Jungo WinDriver 6.0.0 through 16.1.0 allows local attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper privilege management in Jungo WinDriver before 12.5.1 allows local attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper privilege management in Jungo WinDriver before 12.5.1 allows local attackers to escalate privileges, execute arbitrary code, or cause a Denial of Service (DoS). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell PowerScale OneFS versions 8.2.2.x through 9.8.0.0 contain an improper privilege management vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell PowerScale OneFS versions 8.2.2.x through 9.8.0.0 contain an improper privilege management vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell PowerScale OneFS versions 8.2.2.x through 9.8.0.0 contain an improper privilege management vulnerability. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell PowerScale OneFS versions 8.2.2.x through 9.7.0.2 contain an execution with unnecessary privileges vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability in Hitachi JP1/Extensible SNMP Agent for Windows, Hitachi JP1/Extensible SNMP Agent on Windows, Hitachi Job Management Partner1/Extensible SNMP Agent on. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Default Permissions, Improper Preservation of Permissions vulnerability in Hitachi Ops Center Common Services allows File Manipulation.0.2-00. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Memory corruption when an invoke call and a TEE call are bound for the same trusted application. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In gnss service, 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 gnss service, there is a possible escalation of privilege due to improper certificate validation. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In gnss service, 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 venc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to type confusion. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
BigBlueButton is an open-source virtual classroom designed to help teachers teach and learners learn. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
IBM MQ 9.3 LTS and 9.3 CD could allow an authenticated user to escalate their privileges under certain configurations due to incorrect privilege assignment. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
IBM Security Access Manager Docker 10.0.0.0 through 10.0.7.1 could allow a local user to obtain sensitive information from the container due to incorrect default permissions. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect default permissions vulnerability in firewall functionality in Synology Router Manager (SRM) before 1.2.5-8227-11 and 1.3.1-9346-8 allows man-in-the-middle attackers to access highly. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in the Agent in Delinea Privilege Manager (formerly Thycotic Privilege Manager) before 12.0.1096 on Windows. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). No vendor patch available.
The XPC service within the audit functionality of Jamf Compliance Editor before version 1.3.1 on macOS can lead to local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3). No vendor patch available.
In lunary-ai/lunary version 1.2.4, an improper access control vulnerability allows members with team management permissions to manipulate project identifiers in requests, enabling them to invite. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
This Advisory describes an issue that impacts Arista Wireless Access Points. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in Spotfire Spotfire Analyst, Spotfire Spotfire Server, Spotfire Spotfire for AWS Marketplace allows In the case of the installed Windows client: Successful execution of this. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue in OpenEMR 7.0.2 allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges viaa crafted POST request using the noteid parameter. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
In WhatsUp Gold versions released before 2023.1.3, an Improper Access Control vulnerability in Wug.UI.Controllers.InstallController.SetAdminPassword allows local attackers to modify admin's password. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
pgAdmin <= 8.8 has an installation Directory permission issue. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources due to overly permissive default settings.
Missing authorization in Client-Server API in Conduit <=0.7.0, allowing for any alias to be removed and added to another room, which can be used for privilege escalation by moving the #admins alias. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability in Hitachi Storage Provider for VMware vCenter allows local users to read and write specific files.1.0 before 3.7.4. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in Membership Software WishList Member X allows Privilege Escalation.26.7. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 14609