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 (13376)
VMware Workspace ONE Access, Identity Manager and vRealize Automation contain two privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
VMware Workspace ONE Access, Identity Manager and vRealize Automation contains a privilege escalation vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
An issue in pipeline subscriptions in GitLab EE affecting all versions from 12.8 prior to 15.0.5, 15.1 prior to 15.1.4, and 15.2 prior to 15.2.1 triggered new pipelines with the person who created. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Multiple Improper Access Control vulnerabilities in StoreApps Affiliate For WooCommerce premium plugin <= 4.7.0 at WordPress. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Weak permissions on the configuration file in the PAM module in Grommunio Gromox 0.5 through 1.x before 1.28 allow a local unprivileged user in the gromox group to have the PAM stack execute. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
In BIG-IP Versions 16.1.x before 16.1.3.1, 15.1.x before 15.1.6.1, 14.1.x before 14.1.5.1, and all versions of 13.1.x, an authenticated attacker with Resource Administrator or Manager privileges can. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In BIG-IP Versions 16.1.x before 16.1.3, 15.1.x before 15.1.5.1, 14.1.x before 14.1.5, and all versions of 13.1.x, when running in Appliance mode, an authenticated user assigned the Administrator. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In BIG-IP Versions 17.0.x before 17.0.0.1, 16.1.x before 16.1.3.1, 15.1.x before 15.1.6.1, 14.1.x before 14.1.5.1, and all versions of 13.1.x, certain iRules commands may allow an attacker to bypass. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A carefully crafted invocation on the Image plugin could trigger an CSRF vulnerability on Apache JSPWiki before 2.11.3, which could allow a group privilege escalation of the attacker's account. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
fof/byobu is a private discussions extension for Flarum forum. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
An issue in \Roaming\Mango\Plugins of University of Texas Multi-image Analysis GUI (Mango) 4.1 allows attackers to escalate privileges via crafted plugins. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
In wifi driver, 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 wifi driver, 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 wifi driver, 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 wifi driver, 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 wifi driver, 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 wifi driver, 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 wifi driver, 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 wifi driver, 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 httpclient, there is a possible out of bounds write due to uninitialized data. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In mailbox, there is a possible out of bounds write due to type confusion. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In mailbox, 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 mailbox, there is a possible out of bounds write due to type confusion. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In mailbox, 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 mailbox, 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 mailbox, there is a possible out of bounds write due to type confusion. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In cta, there is a possible way to write permission usage records of an app due to a missing permission check. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In video codec, there is a possible memory corruption due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4). No vendor patch available.
In camera 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 camera 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 camera 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 audio ipi, there is a possible memory corruption due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4). No vendor patch available.
In scp, there is a possible undefined behavior due to incorrect error handling. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Simple Membership WordPress plugin before 4.1.3 allows user to change their membership at the registration stage due to insufficient checking of a user supplied parameter. 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.
The Simple Membership WordPress plugin before 4.1.3 does not properly validate the membership_level parameter when editing a profile, allowing members to escalate to a higher membership level by. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Pandora FMS v7.0NG.760 and below allows an improper authorization in User Management where any authenticated user with access to the User Management module could create, modify or delete any user. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
IBM Robotic Process Automation 21.0.0, 21.0.1, and 21.0.2 could disclose sensitive information due to improper privilege management for storage provider types. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A link following vulnerability in the scanning function of Trend Micro Apex One and Worry-Free Business Security agents 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.
Trend Micro VPN Proxy Pro version 5.2.1026 and below contains a vulnerability involving some overly permissive folders in a key directory which could allow a local attacker to obtain privilege. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Veritas NetBackup 8.1.x through 8.1.2, 8.2, 8.3.x through 8.3.0.2, 9.x through 9.0.0.1, and 9.1.x through 9.1.0.1 (and related NetBackup products). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In Veritas NetBackup, an attacker with unprivileged local access to a NetBackup Client may send specific commands to escalate their privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.4), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Veritas NetBackup OpsCenter, an attacker with local access to a NetBackup OpsCenter server could potentially escalate their privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Due to misconfigured application endpoints, SAP SuccessFactors attachment APIs allow attackers with user privileges to perform activities with admin privileges over the network. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authenticated WordPress Options Change vulnerability in Biplob018 Shortcode Addons plugin <= 3.1.2 at WordPress. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authenticated (high role user) WordPress Options Change vulnerability in Biplob Adhikari's Tabs plugin <= 3.6.0 at WordPress. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Authenticated WordPress Options Change vulnerability in Biplob Adhikari's Flipbox plugin <= 2.6.0 at WordPress. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.2), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Multiple Broken Access Control vulnerabilities in Social Share Buttons by Supsystic plugin <= 2.2.3 at WordPress. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
Unauthenticated Arbitrary Option Update vulnerability in biplob018's Shortcode Addons plugin <= 3.0.2 at WordPress. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Unauthenticated WordPress Options Change vulnerability in Biplob Adhikari's Accordions plugin <= 2.0.2 at WordPress. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
There is an unquoted service path in ASUSTeK Aura Ready Game SDK service (GameSDK.exe) 1.0.0.4. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
This vulnerability allows local user to delete arbitrary file in the system and bypassing security protection which can be abused for local privilege escalation on affected F-Secure & WithSecure. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
IBM QRadar SIEM 7.3, 7.4, and 7.5 could allow a local user to obtain sensitive information from the TLS key file due to incorrect file permissions. 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.
A UNIX Symbolic Link (Symlink) Following vulnerability in keylime of openSUSE Tumbleweed allows local attackers to escalate from the keylime user to root. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A privilege chaining vulnerability [CWE-268] in FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer 6.0.x, 6.2.x, 6.4.0 through 6.4.7, 7.0.0 through 7.0.3 may allow a local and authenticated attacker with a restricted. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
An issue was discovered in the auth component in Dovecot 2.2 and 2.3 before 2.3.20. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Improper Authentication vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access.
A CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management vulnerability exists that could allow elevated functionality when guessing credentials. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity.
In finishDrawingWindow of WindowManagerService.java, there is a possible tapjacking due to improper input validation. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.9), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In assertSafeToStartCustomActivity of AppRestrictionsFragment.java, there is a possible way to start a phone call without permissions due to a confused deputy. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In openFile of CallLogProvider.java, there is a possible permission bypass due to a path traversal error. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In PermissionController, there is a possible way to get and retain permissions without user's consent due to a logic error in the code. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In wifi.RequestToggleWifiActivity of AndroidManifest.xml, there is a possible EoP due to a tapjacking/overlay attack. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Git is a distributed revision control system. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A security issue was discovered in aws-iam-authenticator where an allow-listed IAM identity may be able to modify their username and escalate privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The application security module has a vulnerability in permission assignment. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Implicit Intent hijacking vulnerability in Finder prior to SMR Jul-2022 Release 1 allow allows attackers to access some protected information with privilege of Finder. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Incorrect default configuration for trusted IP header in Mattermost version 6.7.0 and earlier allows attacker to bypass some of the rate limitations in place or use manipulated IPs for audit logging. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue has been discovered in Novastar-VNNOX-iCare Novaicare 7.16.0 that gives attacker privilege escalation and allows attackers to view corporate information and SMTP server details, delete. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
An issue was discovered in Druva 6.9.0 for MacOS, allows attackers to gain escalated local privileges via the inSyncDecommission. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
A privilege escalation flaw was found in the token exchange feature of keycloak. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Dell PowerProtect Cyber Recovery, versions prior to 19.11, contain a privilege escalation vulnerability on virtual appliance deployments. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Incorrect permission management in Devolutions Server before 2022.2 allows a new user with a preexisting username to inherit the permissions of that previous user. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A local privilege escalation (LPE) issue was discovered in the ransomware canaries features of Elastic Endpoint Security for Windows, which could allow unprivileged users to elevate their privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In audio DSP, 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 audio DSP, there is a possible memory corruption due to improper casting. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In WLAN driver, 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 WLAN driver, 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 WLAN driver, 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 WLAN driver, 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 WLAN driver, 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 WLAN driver, 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 WLAN driver, 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 Autoboot, 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 MDP, there is a possible use after free due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.4). No vendor patch available.
In sched driver, there is a possible use after free due to improper locking. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In TEEI driver, there is a possible use after free due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In TEEI driver, there is a possible use after free due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In TEEI driver, there is a possible type confusion due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In GED driver, there is a possible use after free due to a race condition. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Bluetooth, 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 Bluetooth, 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.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 13376