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 (13351)
In isPageSearchEnabled of BillingCycleSettings.java, there is a possible way for the guest user to change data limits due to a permissions bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In multiple functions of WifiCallingSettings.java, there is a possible way to change calling preferences for the admin user due to a permissions bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In verifyInputEvent of InputDispatcher.cpp, there is a possible way to conduct click fraud due to side channel information disclosure. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Parse of simdata.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 Parse of simdata.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 encode of wlandata.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a heap buffer overflow. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Do_AIMS_SET_CALL_WAITING of imsservice.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In the Google BMS kernel module, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a heap buffer overflow. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In registerGsmaServiceIntentReceiver of ShannonRcsService.java, there is a possible way to activate/deactivate RCS service due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In lwis_i2c_device_disable of lwis_device_i2c.c, there is a possible UAF due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
there is a possible way to corrupt memory due to a use after free. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability in the client update process of Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client Software for Windows and Cisco Secure Client Software for Windows could allow a low-privileged, authenticated,. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Neutralization of Argument Delimiters in a Command ('Argument Injection') vulnerability in Apache Software Foundation Apache Airflow ODBC Provider. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
An exposed dangerous function vulnerability in the Trend Micro Apex One and Apex One as a Service security agent could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges and write an arbitrary value to. 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.
An exposed dangerous function vulnerability in the Trend Micro Apex One and Apex One as a Service security agent could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges and write an arbitrary value to. 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.
An exposed dangerous function vulnerability in the Trend Micro Apex One and Apex One as a Service security agent could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges and write an arbitrary value to. 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.
An untrusted search path vulnerability in the Trend Micro Apex One and Apex One as a Service security agent could allow a local attacker to escalate their privileges on affected installations. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
An untrusted search path vulnerability in the Trend Micro Apex One and Apex One as a Service security agent could allow a local attacker to escalate their privileges on affected installations. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
A Time-of-Check Time-Of-Use vulnerability in the Trend Micro Apex One and Apex One as a Service agent could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0).
A Time-of-Check Time-Of-Use vulnerability in the Trend Micro Apex One and Apex One as a Service agent could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0).
A privilege escalation vulnerability in the Trend Micro Apex One and Apex One as a Service agent could allow a local attacker to unintentionally delete privileged Trend Micro registry keys including. 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.
Vulnerability in Tenable Tenable.Io, Tenable Nessus, Tenable Security Center.Io: before Plugin Feed ID #202306261202 ; Nessus: before Plugin Feed ID #202306261202 ; Security Center: before Plugin. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In CloudPanel before 2.3.1, insecure file upload leads to privilege escalation and authentication bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Faveo Helpdesk Enterprise version 6.0.1 allows an attacker with agent permissions to perform privilege escalation on the application. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
In Progress OpenEdge OEM (OpenEdge Management) and OEE (OpenEdge Explorer) before 12.7, a remote user (who has any OEM or OEE role) could perform a URL injection attack to change identity or role. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A maliciously crafted DLL file can be forced to write beyond allocated boundaries in the Autodesk installer when parsing the DLL files and could lead to a Privilege Escalation vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Access Control leads to privilege escalation affecting Elenos ETG150 FM transmitter running on version 3.12 by exploiting user's role in the user profile. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is 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.
This issue was addressed with improved entitlements. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The issue was addressed with improved handling of caches. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is 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 low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Dell Command | Update, Dell Update, and Alienware Update versions 4.8.0 and prior contain an Insecure Operation on Windows Junction / Mount Point vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
A REST interface in Apache StreamPipes (versions 0.69.0 to 0.91.0) was not properly restricted to admin-only access. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A permission issue in BigFix WebUI Insights site version 14 allows an authenticated, unprivileged operator to access an administrator page. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
IBM Spectrum Protect Backup-Archive Client 8.1.0.0 through 8.1.17.2 may allow a local user to escalate their privileges due to improper access controls. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
An access control issue in Registration.aspx of Temenos CWX 8.5.6 allows authenticated attackers to escalate privileges and perform arbitrary Administrative commands. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The CMS Commander plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass due to the use of an insufficiently unique cryptographic signature on the 'cmsc_add_site' function in versions up to, and. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required.
Improper permission control vulnerability in the Notepad app.Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may lead to privilege escalation, which affects availability and confidentiality. 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 fl_set_geneve_opt in net/sched/cls_flower.c in the Linux kernel before 6.3.7. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
The MC990 X and UV300 RMC component has and inadequate default configuration that could be exploited to obtain enhanced privilege. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
There is a permission and access control vulnerability in some ZTE AndroidTV STBs. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.7), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered on NOKIA Airscale ASIKA Single RAN devices before 21B. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered on NOKIA Airscale ASIKA Single RAN devices before 21B. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Zimbra Collaboration Suite through 9.0 and 8.8.15, an attacker (who has initial user access to a Zimbra server instance) can execute commands as root by passing one of JVM arguments, leading to. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Command Injection vulnerability could allow attackers to inject arbitrary commands into system command execution.
In bindPlayer of MediaControlPanel.java, there is a possible launch arbitrary activity in SysUI due to Unsafe Intent. 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 onNullBinding of CallRedirectionProcessor.java, there is a possible long lived connection due to improper input validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In onCreate of NotificationAccessSettings.java, there is a possible failure to persist notifications settings due to improper input validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In checkKeyIntentParceledCorrectly() of ActivityManagerService.java, there is a possible bypass of Parcel Mismatch mitigations due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In getFullScreenIntentDecision of NotificationInterruptStateProviderImpl.java, there is a possible activity launch while the app is in the background due to a BAL bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In various functions of AppStandbyController.java, there is a possible way to break manageability scenarios due to a logic error in the code. 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 bindOutputSwitcherAndBroadcastButton of MediaControlPanel.java, there is a possible launch arbitrary activity under SysUI due to Unsafe Intent. 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 run of multiple files, there is a possible escalation of privilege 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 multiple functions of multiple files, there is a possible way to bypass the DISALLOW_DEBUGGING_FEATURES restriction for tracing due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In various functions of various files, there is a possible way to bypass the DISALLOW_DEBUGGING_FEATURES restriction for tracing due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In onResume of AppManagementFragment.java, there is a possible way to prevent users from forgetting a previously connected VPN due to improper input validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In multiple functions of cdm_engine.cpp, there is a possible use-after-free due to improper locking. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In btm_sec_encrypt_change of btm_sec.cc, there is a possible way to downgrade the link key type due to improperly used crypto. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In multiple functions of WVDrmPlugin.cpp, there is a possible use after free due to a race condition. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). No vendor patch available.
In canStartSystemGesture of RecentsAnimationDeviceState.java, there is a possible partial lockscreen bypass due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.7). No vendor patch available.
During internal security analysis, a local privilege escalation vulnerability has been identified. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A mobile network solution internal fault is found in Nokia Web Element Manager before 22 R1, in which an authenticated, unprivileged user can execute administrative functions. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A local privilege escalation (PE) vulnerability in the Palo Alto Networks GlobalProtect app on Windows enables a local user to execute programs with elevated privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk System Services uses a hard-coded cryptographic key to generate administrator cookies. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper input validation in the Zoom for Windows, Zoom Rooms, Zoom VDI Windows Meeting clients before 5.14.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable an escalation of privilege via. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper privilege management in Zoom for Windows, Zoom Rooms for Windows, and Zoom VDI for Windows clients before 5.14.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable an escalation of. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A out-of-bounds write in Fortinet FortiOS version 7.2.0 through 7.2.3, FortiOS version 7.0.0 through 7.0.10, FortiOS version 6.4.0 through 6.4.12, FortiOS all versions 6.2, FortiOS all versions 6.0,. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An improper permissions, privileges, and access controls vulnerability [CWE-264] in FortiNAC-F 7.2.0, FortiNAC 9.4.1 and below, 9.2.6 and below, 9.1.8 and below, 8.8.0 all versions 8.7.0 all versions. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
EaseUS Todo Backup version 20220111.390 - An omission during installation may allow a local attacker to perform privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue found in Blue Light Filter v.1.5.5 for Android allows unauthorized apps to cause escalation of privilege attacks by manipulating the SharedPreference files. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue found in Twilight v.13.3 for Android allows unauthorized apps to cause escalation of privilege attacks by manipulating the SharedPreference files. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue found in Facemoji Emoji Keyboard v.2.9.1.2 for Android allows unauthorized apps to cause escalation of privilege attacks by manipulating the component. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue found in Yandex Navigator v.6.60 for Android allows unauthorized apps to cause escalation of privilege attacks by manipulating the SharedPreference files. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
When gRPC HTTP2 stack raised a header size exceeded error, it skipped parsing the rest of the HPACK frame. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
An issue was discovered in the Shannon RCS component in Samsung Exynos Modem 5123 and 5300. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
RenderDoc before 1.27 allows local privilege escalation via a symlink attack. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Marval MSM through 14.19.0.12476 and 15.0 has a System account with default credentials. 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.
A privilege escalation allowing remote code execution was discovered in the orchestration service. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue has been discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 14.1 before 15.10.8, all versions starting from 15.11 before 15.11.7, all versions starting from 16.0 before 16.0.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Elementor Pro plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized data modification due to a missing capability check on the update_page_option function in versions up to, and including, 3.11.6. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and EPSS exploitation probability 26.0%.
The Controlled Admin Access plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in versions up to, and including, 1.5.5 by not properly restricting access to the configuration page. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The Frontend File Manager plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Privilege Escalation in versions up to, and including, 18.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The Funnel Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to authorization bypass due to a missing capability check on the activate_plugin function in versions up to, and including, 1.3.0. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
In keymange, 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 keymange, 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 swpm, 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 vcu, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper locking. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In vcu, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper locking. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 13351