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 (13364)
Delta Electronics InfraSuite Device Master versions prior to 1.0.5 contain a vulnerability in which a low-level user could extract files and plaintext credentials of administrator users, resulting in. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Delta Electronics InfraSuite Device Master versions prior to 1.0.5, an attacker could set incorrect directory permissions, which could result in local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In rtt_unpack_xtlv_cbfn of dhd_rtt.c, 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 rtt_unpack_xtlv_cbfn of dhd_rtt.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a buffer overflow. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In rtt_unpack_xtlv_cbfn of dhd_rtt.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a buffer overflow. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In createTransmitFollowupRequest of nan.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 get_svc_hash of nan.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 rtt_unpack_xtlv_cbfn of dhd_rtt.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a buffer overflow. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In rtt_unpack_xtlv_cbfn of dhd_rtt.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a buffer overflow. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In dhd_prot_ioctcmplt_process of dhd_msgbuf.c, 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 add_roam_cache_list of wl_roam.c, 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 wl_update_hidden_ap_ie of wl_cfgscan.c, 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 (TBD) of (TBD), there is a possible way to boot with a hidden debug policy due to a missing warning to the user. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In fdt_next_tag of fdt.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an integer overflow. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In DoSetPinControl of miscservice.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 ParseWithAuthType of simdata.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an incorrect bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In DoSetTempEcc of imsservice.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds read due to an incorrect bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In lwis_slc_buffer_free of lwis_device_slc.c, there is a possible memory corruption due to type confusion. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In dit_hal_ioctl of dit.c, there is a possible use after free due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4). No vendor patch available.
In setToExternal of ril_external_client.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 dwc3_exynos_clk_get of dwc3-exynos.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In load_png_image of ExynosHWCHelper.cpp, 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 (TBD) of (TBD), 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.
In (TBD) of (TBD), 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.
In append_to_params of param_util.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In buildCommand of bluetooth_ccc.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write 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 cs40l2x_cp_trigger_queue_show of cs40l2x.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a use after free. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In multiple functions of BackupHelper.java, there is a possible way for an app to get permissions previously granted to another app with the same package name due to a permissions bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
In multiple functions of SensorService.cpp, there is a possible access of accurate sensor data due to a permissions bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
In Confirmation of keystore_cli_v2.cpp, there is a possible way to corrupt memory due to a double free. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In maybeFinish of FallbackHome.java, there is a possible delay of lockdown screen due to logic error. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In BufferBlock of Suballocation.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to memory corruption. 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 isTargetSdkLessThanQOrPrivileged of WifiServiceImpl.java, there is a possible way for the guest user to change admin user network settings 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 registerSignalHandlers of main.c, there is a possible local arbitrary code execution due to a use after free. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In UnwindingWorker of unwinding.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a use after free. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In InstallStart of InstallStart.java, there is a possible way to change the installer package name due to an improper input validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In getAvailabilityStatus of several Transcode Permission Controllers, there is a possible permission bypass due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In getAvailabilityStatus of several Transcode Permission Controllers, there is a possible permission bypass 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 getAvailabilityStatus of several Transcode Permission Controllers, there is a possible permission bypass due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In getAvailabilityStatus of several Transcode Permission Controllers, there is a possible permission bypass 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 getAvailabilityStatus of several Transcode Permission Controllers, there is a possible permission bypass due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In onContextItemSelected of NetworkProviderSettings.java, there is a possible way for users to change the Wi-Fi settings of other users 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 MediaCodec.cpp, there is a possible use after free due to improper locking. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In captureImage of CustomizedSensor.cpp, there is a possible way to bypass the fingerprint unlock 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 _ufdt_output_property_to_fdt of ufdt_convert.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), 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 functions of SnoozeHelper.java, there is a possible failure to persist settings due to an uncaught exception. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In BTA_GATTS_HandleValueIndication of bta_gatts_api.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to improper input validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In getConfirmationMessage of DefaultAutofillPicker.java, there is a possible way to mislead the user to select default autofill application due to improper input validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In getAvailabilityStatus of EnableContentCapturePreferenceController.java, there is a possible way to bypass DISALLOW_CONTENT_CAPTURE due to a permissions bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In removePermission of PermissionManagerServiceImpl.java, there is a possible way to obtain dangerous permissions without user consent 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 inflate of inflate.c, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a heap buffer overflow. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In multiple functions of MediaSessionRecord.java, there is a possible Intent rebroadcast due to a confused deputy. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In WorkSource, there is a possible parcel mismatch. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In launchDeepLinkIntentToRight of SettingsHomepageActivity.java, there is a possible way to launch arbitrary activities due to improper input validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In AddSupervisedUserActivity, guest users are not prevented from starting the activity due to missing permissions checks. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In onAttach of SettingsPreferenceFragment.java, there is a possible bypass of Factory Reset Protections due to a confused deputy. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In onPrepareOptionsMenu of AppInfoDashboardFragment.java, there is a possible way to bypass admin restrictions and uninstall applications for all users 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 onPrimaryClipChanged of ClipboardListener.java, there is a possible way to bypass factory reset protection due to incorrect UI being shown prior to setup completion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
In getGroupState of GrantPermissionsViewModel.kt, there is a possible way to keep a one-time permission granted due to a permissions bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In bta_av_rc_disc_done of bta_av_act.cc, 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 avdt_scb_hdl_write_req of avdt_scb_act.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a heap buffer overflow. 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 onParentVisible of HeaderPrivacyIconsController.kt, there is a possible way to bypass factory reset protections due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In onTargetSelected of ResolverActivity.java, there is a possible way to share a wrong file due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In addPermission of PermissionManagerServiceImpl.java , there is a possible failure to persist permission settings due to resource exhaustion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Uncontrolled Resource Consumption vulnerability could allow attackers to cause denial of service by exhausting system resources.
In onPackageAddedInternal of PermissionManagerService.java, there is a possible way to silently grant a permission after a Target SDK update due to a permissions bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Tailscale is software for using Wireguard and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
An issue found in OpenGoofy Hippo4j v.1.4.3 allows attackers to escalate privileges via the ThreadPoolController of the tenant Management module. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Veritas NetBackup before 8.3.0.2. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Malwarebytes before 4.5.23, a symbolic link may be used delete any arbitrary file on the system by exploiting the local quarantine system. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Minio is a Multi-Cloud Object Storage framework. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
Use After Free vulnerability in Linux kernel traffic control index filter (tcindex) allows Privilege Escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
A vulnerability in the ClearPass OnGuard Linux agent could allow malicious users on a Linux instance to elevate their user privileges to those of a higher role. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
TXOne StellarOne has an improper access control privilege escalation vulnerability in every version before V2.0.1160 that could allow a malicious, falsely authenticated user to escalate his. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been discovered in cloudflared's installer (<= 2023.3.0) for Windows 32-bits devices that allows a local attacker with no administrative permissions to escalate their privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Cilium is a networking, observability, and security solution with an eBPF-based dataplane. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Zoom Client for IT Admin Windows installers before version 5.13.5 contain a 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 PhoneStatusBarPolicy in System UI prior to SMR Mar-2023 Release 1 allows attacker to turn off Do not disturb via unprotected intent. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Insecure Permissions vulnerability found in OpenGoofy Hippo4j v.1.4.3 allows attacker toescalate privileges via the AddUser method of the UserController function in Tenant Management module. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue found in Ofcms v.1.1.4 allows a remote attacker to to escalate privileges via the respwd method in SysUserController. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
OpenDoas through 6.8.2, when TIOCSTI is available, allows privilege escalation because of sharing a terminal with the original session. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
KDAB Hotspot 1.3.x and 1.4.x through 1.4.1, in a non-default configuration, allows privilege escalation because of race conditions involving symlinks and elevate_perf_privileges.sh chown calls. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Minio is a Multi-Cloud Object Storage framework. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Windows Accounts Picture Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. 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.
Wondershare Dr.Fone v12.9.6 was discovered to contain weak permissions for the service WsDrvInst. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A security agent link following vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One could allow a local attacker to exploit the vulnerability by changing a specific file into a pseudo-symlink, allowing privilege. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A link following vulnerability in the scanning function of Trend Micro Apex One agent could allow a local attacker to escalate privileges on affected installations. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An improper access control vulnerability in the Trend Micro Apex One agent could allow a local attacker to gain elevated privileges and create arbitrary directories with arbitrary ownership. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The kernel subsystem function check_permission_for_set_tokenid within OpenHarmony-v3.1.5 and prior versions has an UAF vulnerability which local attackers can exploit this vulnerability to escalate. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
There exists a privilege escalation vulnerability in SmartBear Zephyr Enterprise through 7.15.0 that could be exploited by authorized users to reset passwords for other accounts. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Inappropriate implementation in Permission prompts in Google Chrome prior to 111.0.5563.64 allowed a remote attacker to bypass navigation restrictions via a crafted HTML page. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 13364