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 (14610)
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.
A vulnerability was reported in Elliptic Labs Virtual Lock Sensor for ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 that could allow an attacker with local access to execute code with elevated privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The leakage of the client secret in Onigiriya-musubee Line 13.6.1 allows attackers to obtain the channel access token and send crafted broadcast messages. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The leakage of the client secret in VISION MEAT WORKS TrackDiner10/10_mc Line v13.6.1 allows attackers to obtain the channel access token and send crafted broadcast messages. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The leakage of the client secret in TonTon-Tei Line v13.6.1 allows attackers to obtain the channel access token and send crafted broadcast messages. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The leakage of the client secret in Tokueimaru_waiting Line 13.6.1 allows attackers to obtain the channel access token and send crafted broadcast messages. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
XWiki Rendering is a generic Rendering system that converts textual input in a given syntax into another syntax. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
The reference count changes made as part of the CVE-2023-33951 and CVE-2023-33952 fixes exposed a use-after-free flaw in the way memory objects were handled when they were being used to store a. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
An Improper Input Validation vulnerability in Zscaler Client Connector on Linux allows Privilege Escalation.4.0.105. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
VMware Fusion(13.x prior to 13.5) contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability that occurs during installation for the first time (the user needs to drag or copy the application to a folder. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
VMware Fusion(13.x prior to 13.5) contains a TOCTOU (Time-of-check Time-of-use) vulnerability that occurs during installation for the first time (the user needs to drag or copy the application to a. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). No vendor patch available.
The Fancy Product Designer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of site options due to a missing capability check on the fpd_update_options function in versions up to, and. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
please (aka pleaser) through 0.5.4 allows privilege escalation through the TIOCSTI and/or TIOCLINUX ioctl. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
An issue discovered in IXP Data EasyInstall 6.6.14907.0 allows attackers to gain escalated privileges via static Cryptographic Key. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue found in IXP Data Easy Install v.6.6.14884.0 allows a local attacker to gain privileges via a static XOR key. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue discovered in IXP Data Easy Install v.6.6.14884.0 allows local attackers to gain escalated privileges via weak encoding of sensitive information. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue found in IXP Data Easy Install 6.6.148840 allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via insecure PRNG. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The SolarWinds Access Rights Manager was susceptible to Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The SolarWinds Access Rights Manager was susceptible to Privilege Escalation Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A privilege escalation vulnerability exists within the Qumu Multicast Extension v2 before 2.0.63 for Windows. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A potential security vulnerability has been identified in the system BIOS for certain HP PC products which might allow escalation of privilege. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
SonicOS post-authentication Improper Privilege Management vulnerability in the SonicOS SSL VPN Tunnel allows users to elevate their privileges inside the tunnel. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability in the Oracle VM VirtualBox product of Oracle Virtualization (component: Core). Rated high severity (CVSS 8.2), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
TSplus Remote Work 16.0.0.0 has weak permissions for .exe, .js, and .html files under the %PROGRAMFILES(X86)%\TSplus-RemoteWork\Clients\www folder. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An improper privilege management in the AMD Radeon™ Graphics driver may allow an authenticated attacker to craft an IOCTL request to gain I/O control over arbitrary hardware ports or physical. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A software vulnerability has been identified in the U-Boot Secondary Program Loader (SPL) before 2023.07 on select NXP i.MX 8M family processors. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
An issue discovered in Extreme Networks Switch Engine (EXOS) before 32.5.1.5, before 22.7 and before 31.7.1 allows attackers to gain escalated privileges via crafted HTTP request. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Default file permissions on South River Technologies' Titan MFT and Titan SFTP servers on Linux allows a user that's authentication to the OS to read sensitive files on the filesystem. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
In Red Lion Europe mbCONNECT24 and mymbCONNECT24 and Helmholz myREX24 and myREX24.virtual up to and including 2.14.2 an improperly implemented access validation allows an authenticated, low. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Grafana is an open-source platform for monitoring and observability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
D-Link device DIR-820L 1.05B03 is vulnerable to Insecure Permissions. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
IBM HMC (Hardware Management Console) 10.1.1010.0 and 10.2.1030.0 could allow a local user to escalate their privileges to root access on a restricted shell. 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.
Backup, Recovery, and Media Services (BRMS) for IBM i 7.2, 7.3, and 7.4 contains a local privilege escalation 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.
IBM Directory Server for IBM i contains a local privilege escalation 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.
Adobe Commerce versions 2.4.7-beta1 (and earlier), 2.4.6-p2 (and earlier), 2.4.5-p4 (and earlier) and 2.4.4-p5 (and earlier) are affected by an Incorrect Authorization . Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource vulnerability in a specific file of Juniper Networks Junos OS and Junos OS Evolved allows a local authenticated attacker to read configuration. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability in Juniper Networks Junos OS allows an unauthenticated attacker with local access to the device to create a backdoor with root privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An Unchecked Return Value vulnerability in the user interfaces to the Juniper Networks Junos OS and Junos OS Evolved, the CLI, the XML API, the XML Management Protocol, the NETCONF Management. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SnapCenter versions 4.8 through 4.9 are susceptible to a vulnerability which may allow an authenticated SnapCenter Server user to become an admin user on a remote system where a SnapCenter plug-in. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SnapCenter versions 3.x and 4.x prior to 4.9 are susceptible to a vulnerability which may allow an authenticated unprivileged user to gain access as an admin user. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SnapCenter Plugin for VMware vSphere versions 4.6 prior to 4.9 are susceptible to a vulnerability which may allow authenticated unprivileged users to modify email and snapshot name settings within. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Privilege Escalation in kOps using GCE/GCP Provider in Gossip Mode. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
there is a possible use-after-free write due to improper locking. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In TBD of TBD, there is a possible way to bypass carrier restrictions 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 temp_residency_name_store of thermal_metrics.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. No vendor patch available.
In lwis_transaction_client_cleanup of lwis_transaction.c, 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 CanConvertPadV2Op of darwinn_mlir_converter_aidl.cc, there is a possible out of bounds read due to a heap buffer overflow. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In ctrl_roi of stmvl53l1_module.c, 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.
An issue in Inspect Element Ltd Echo.ac v.5.2.1.0 allows a local attacker to gain privileges via a crafted command to the echo_driver.sys component. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
In tbd of tbd, there is a possible memory corruption due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4). No vendor patch available.
An issue in DLINK DPH-400SE FRU 2.2.15.8 allows a remote attacker to escalate privileges via the User Modify function in the Maintenance/Access function component. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
It is possible to sideload a compromised DLL during the installation at elevated privilege. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7). No vendor patch available.
Vulnerability of permissions not being strictly verified in the window management module.Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may cause features to perform abnormally. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
API permission management vulnerability in the Fwk-Display module.Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may cause features to perform abnormally. 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 Broadcom) LSI PCI-SV92EX Soft Modem Kernel Driver through 2.2.100.1 (aka AGRSM64.sys). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Windows Error Reporting Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0). This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Microsoft Office Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), 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.
HP LIFE Android Mobile application is potentially vulnerable to escalation of privilege and/or information disclosure. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Local privilege escalation due to DLL hijacking vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Atos Unify OpenScape 4000 Manager V10 R1 before V10 R1.42.1 and 4000 Manager V10 R0 allow Privilege escalation that may lead to the ability of an authenticated attacker to run arbitrary code via. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In FW-PackageManager, there is a possible missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In FW-PackageManager, there is a possible missing permission check. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In linkturbo, there is a possible missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In phasechecksercer, there is a possible missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In multiple functions of ActivityManagerService.java, there is a possible way to escape Google Play protection due to a permissions bypass. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In visitUris of Notification.java, there is a possible bypass of user profile boundaries due to 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 Puppet Bolt versions prior to 3.27.4, a path to escalate privileges was identified. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
IBM Robotic Process Automation 23.0.9 is vulnerable to privilege escalation that affects ownership of projects. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
Dell SmartFabric Storage Software version 1.3 and lower contain an improper input validation vulnerability. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity.
An issue was discovered in WatchGuard EPDR 8.0.21.0002. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Local privilege escalation due to improper soft link handling. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management vulnerability exists that could cause a remote code execution when the transfer command is used over the network. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper authorisation of regular users in ProIntegra Uptime DC software (versions below 2.0.0.33940) allows them to change passwords of all other users including administrators leading to a. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Plaintext credential usage vulnerability in Sage 200 Spain 2023.38.001 version, the exploitation of which could allow a remote attacker to extract SQL database credentials from the DLL application. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue in CatoNetworks CatoClient before v.5.4.0 allows attackers to escalate privileges and winning the race condition (TOCTOU) via the PrivilegedHelperTool component. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The web service of ByDemes Group Airspace CCTV Web Service in its 2.616.BY00.11 version, contains a privilege escalation vulnerability, detected in the Camera Control Panel, whose exploitation could. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A flaw within the SonicWall NetExtender Pre-Logon feature enables an unauthorized user to gain access to the host Windows operating system with 'SYSTEM' level privileges, leading to a local privilege. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A local privilege escalation vulnerability in SonicWall Net Extender MSI client for Windows 10.2.336 and earlier versions allows a local low-privileged user to gain system privileges through running. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A use-after-free vulnerability in the Linux kernel's fs/smb/client component can be exploited to achieve local privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Use After Free vulnerability could allow attackers to access freed memory to execute arbitrary code or crash the application.
Incorrect Default Permissions vulnerability in Hitachi JP1/Performance Management on Windows allows File Manipulation. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A flaw exists in VASA which allows users with access to a vSphere/ESXi VMware admin on a FlashArray to gain root access through privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In TVAPI, 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 apusys, 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 vpu, 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 camera middleware, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing input validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In camera middleware, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing input validation. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In rpmb , there is a possible double free due to improper locking. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In rpmb , 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 ftm, 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 video, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a permissions bypass. 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
- 14610