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 (13373)
In TBD of aud_hal_tunnel.c, there is a possible memory corruption due to a use after free. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In registerReceivers of DeviceCapabilityListener.java, there is a possible way to change preferred TTY mode due to a permissions bypass. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authorization checks to access restricted resources.
In MessageQueueBase of MessageQueueBase.h, 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. This Out-of-bounds Read vulnerability could allow attackers to read data from memory outside the intended buffer boundaries.
In launchConfigNewNetworkFragment of NetworkProviderSettings.java, there is a possible way for the guest user to add a new WiFi network due to a missing permission check. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In removeEventHubDevice of InputDevice.cpp, there is a possible OOB read due to a use after free. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In onCreate of LogAccessDialogActivity.java, there is a possible way to bypass a permission check due to a tapjacking/overlay attack. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In Multiple Locations, there is a possibility to launch arbitrary protected activities due to a confused deputy. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In authToken2AidlVec of KeyMintUtils.cpp, 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 setParameter of EqualizerEffect.cpp, 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. 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 AdapterService.java, there is a possible way to manipulate Bluetooth state 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 getCurrentConfigImpl of Effect.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. This Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability could allow attackers to write data beyond allocated buffer boundaries leading to code execution or crashes.
In onOptionsItemSelected of ManageApplications.java, there is a possible bypass of profile owner restrictions due to a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In SurfaceFlinger::doDump of SurfaceFlinger.cpp, there is possible arbitrary code execution due to a use after free. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In parameterToHal of Effect.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. This Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability could allow attackers to write data beyond allocated buffer boundaries leading to code execution or crashes.
In createDialog of WifiScanModeActivity.java, there is a possible way for a Guest user to enable location-sensitive settings due to a missing permission check. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In registerBroadcastReceiver of RcsService.java, there is a possible way to change preferred TTY mode due to a missing permission check. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In getSlice of WifiSlice.java, there is a possible way to connect a new WiFi network from the guest mode due to a missing permission check. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), 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 locations of WifiDialogActivity.java, there is a possible limited lockscreen bypass due to a logic error in the code. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.4), 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 findParam of HevcUtils.cpp there is a possible out of bounds read due to a missing bounds check. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Out-of-bounds Read vulnerability could allow attackers to read data from memory outside the intended buffer boundaries.
In CanvasContext::draw of CanvasContext.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), 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 enforceVisualVoicemailPackage of PhoneInterfaceManager.java, there is a possible leak of visual voicemail package name due to a permissions bypass. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In compose of Vibrator.cpp, 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.
In getSlice of ProviderModelSlice.java, there is 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 onCreate of various files, there is a possible tapjacking/overlay attack. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In onCreate of AddAppNetworksActivity.java, there is a possible way for a guest user to configure WiFi networks due to a missing permission check. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In acquireFabricatedOverlayIterator, nextFabricatedOverlayInfos, and releaseFabricatedOverlayIterator of Idmap2Service.cpp, 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 navigateUpTo of Task.java, there is a possible way to launch an intent handler with a mismatched intent due to improper input validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In mapGrantorDescr of MessageQueueBase.h, 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. This Out-of-bounds Write vulnerability could allow attackers to write data beyond allocated buffer boundaries leading to code execution or crashes.
In onAttach of ConfigureWifiSettings.java, there is a possible way for a guest user to change WiFi settings due to a permissions bypass. 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 onMulticastListUpdateNotificationReceived of UwbEventManager.java, 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.
In onCreate of WifiDialogActivity.java, there is 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 openFile of CallLogProvider.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to a path traversal error. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In multiple locations of DreamManagerService.java, there is a missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
In onCreate of WifiDppConfiguratorActivity.java, there is a possible way for a guest user to add a WiFi configuration 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.
A logic issue was addressed with improved state management. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An access issue existed with privileged API calls. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2) Kernel 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.
In deletePackageVersionedInternal of DeletePackageHelper.java, there is a possible way to bypass carrier restrictions due to a permissions bypass. 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 onCreate of EnableAccountPreferenceActivity.java, there is a possible way to mislead the user into enabling a malicious phone account due to a tapjacking/overlay attack. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In getEnabledAccessibilityServiceList of AccessibilityManager.java, there is a possible way to hide an accessibility service 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 NotificationChannel of NotificationChannel.java, there is a possible failure to persist permissions settings due to resource exhaustion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In NotificationChannel of NotificationChannel.java, there is a possible failure to persist permissions settings due to resource exhaustion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In NotificationChannel of NotificationChannel.java, there is a possible failure to persist permissions settings due to resource exhaustion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In NotificationChannel of NotificationChannel.java, there is a possible failure to persist permissions settings due to resource exhaustion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In NotificationChannel of NotificationChannel.java, there is a possible failure to persist permissions settings due to resource exhaustion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In NotificationChannel of NotificationChannel.java, there is a possible failure to persist permissions settings due to resource exhaustion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In NotificationChannel of NotificationChannel.java, there is a possible failure to persist permissions settings due to resource exhaustion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In NotificationChannel of NotificationChannel.java, there is a possible failure to persist permissions settings due to resource exhaustion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In NotificationChannel of NotificationChannel.java, there is a possible failure to persist permissions settings due to resource exhaustion. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In shouldHideNotification of KeyguardNotificationVisibilityProvider.kt, there is a possible way to show hidden notifications due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In test of ResetTargetTaskHelper.java, there is a possible hijacking of any app which sets allowTaskReparenting="true" due to a confused deputy. 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 readLazyValue of Parcel.java, there is a possible loading of arbitrary code into the System Settings app due to a confused deputy. 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 bindRemoteViewsService of AppWidgetServiceImpl.java, there is a possible way to bypass background activity launch due to improper input validation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In avct_lcb_msg_asmbl of avct_lcb_act.cc, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In onCreate of ReviewPermissionsActivity.java, there is a possible way to grant permissions for a separate app with API level < 23 due to a tapjacking/overlay attack. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In sOpAllowSystemRestrictionBypass of AppOpsManager.java, there is a possible leak of location information due to a missing permission check. Rated low severity (CVSS 2.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
EXEMSI MSI Wrapper Versions prior to 10.0.50 and at least since version 6.0.91 will introduce a local privilege escalation vulnerability in installers it creates. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In some SAP standard roles in SAP Business Planning and Consolidation - versions - SAP_BW 750, 751, 752, 753, 754, 755, 756, 757, DWCORE 200, 300, CPMBPC 810, a transaction code reserved for the. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
Improper Privilege Management in GitHub repository ikus060/rdiffweb prior to 2.5.2. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
An improper handling of exceptional conditions vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One and Apex One as a Service 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.
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). No vendor patch available.
Starting with Sametime 12, anonymous users are enabled by default. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in Hewlett Packard Enterprise Nimble Storage Hybrid Flash Arrays and Nimble Storage Secondary Flash Arrays. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A potential vulnerability has been identified in the system BIOS for certain HP PC products which may allow escalation of privileges and code execution. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. This Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources due to overly permissive default settings.
A privilege escalation issue exists within the Amazon CloudWatch Agent for Windows, software for collecting metrics and logs from Amazon EC2 instances and on-premises servers, in versions up to and. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
A potential security vulnerability has been identified in the HP Jumpstart software, which might allow escalation of privilege. 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.
Elevation of privilege in the Azure SQL Data Source in Devolutions Remote Desktop Manager 2022.3.13 to 2022.3.24 allows an authenticated user to spoof a privileged account. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Sentry is an error tracking and performance monitoring platform. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.7), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect Privilege Assignment in M-Files Web (Classic) in M-Files before 22.8.11691.0 allows low privilege user to change some configuration. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
DHIS 2 is an open source information system for data capture, management, validation, analytics and visualization. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Unauth. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
RackN Digital Rebar through 4.6.14, 4.7 through 4.7.22, 4.8 through 4.8.5, 4.9 through 4.9.12, and 4.10 through 4.10.8 has Insecure Permissions. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
RackN Digital Rebar through 4.6.14, 4.7 through 4.7.22, 4.8 through 4.8.5, 4.9 through 4.9.12, and 4.10 through 4.10.8 has exposed a privileged token via a public API endpoint (Incorrect Access. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability within the malware removal functionality of Avast and AVG Antivirus allowed an attacker with write access to the filesystem, to escalate his privileges in certain scenarios. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A remote code execution vulnerability in EdgeRouters (Version 2.0.9-hotfix.4 and earlier) allows a malicious actor with an operator account to run arbitrary administrator commands.This vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A privilege escalation vulnerability is identified in Ivanti EPM (LANDesk Management Suite) that allows a user to execute commands with elevated privileges. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In ccci, 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 Wi-Fi, there is a possible memory access violation due to a logic error. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Wi-Fi, 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 Wi-Fi, 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 throttling, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect calculation of buffer size. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In isp, 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 isp, 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 display, 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 display, 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 throttling, there is a possible out of bounds write due to an incorrect calculation of buffer size. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In gz, there is a possible memory corruption due to a missing bounds check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In isp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4). No vendor patch available.
In mpu, there is a possible memory corruption due to a logic error. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In keyinstall, 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.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 13373