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 (13377)
Hitachi JP1/IT Desktop Management 2 Agent 9 through 12 calls the SendMessageTimeoutW API with arbitrary arguments via a local pipe, leading to a local privilege escalation vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An issue has been discovered in GitLab affecting all versions starting from 13.0 before 14.0.9, all versions starting from 14.1 before 14.1.4, all versions starting from 14.2 before 14.2.2. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
Under certain configurations an unauthenticated remote user could be given access to credentials stored in the exacqVision Server. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In onCreate of BluetoothPairingDialog, there is a possible way to enable Bluetooth without user consent due to a tapjacking/overlay attack. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Insecure permission of chmod command on rConfig server 3.9.6 exists. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
The WP HTML Author Bio WordPress plugin through 1.2.0 does not sanitise the HTML allowed in the Bio of users, allowing them to use malicious JavaScript code, which will be executed when anyone visit. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.4), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
HashiCorp Vault and Vault Enterprise 1.8.x through 1.8.4 may have an unexpected interaction between glob-related policies and the Google Cloud secrets engine. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.1), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Inappropriate implementation in Google Updater in Google Chrome on Windows prior to 94.0.4606.54 allowed a remote attacker to perform local privilege escalation via a crafted file. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
VITEC Exterity IPTV products through 2021-04-30 allow privilege escalation to root. 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.
Flatpak is a system for building, distributing, and running sandboxed desktop applications on Linux. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
A vulnerability in the web UI of Cisco Smart Software Manager On-Prem (SSM On-Prem) could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to elevate privileges and create, read, update, or delete records and. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SQL injection vulnerabilities in CMFA framework prior to SMR Oct-2021 Release 1 allow untrusted application to overwrite some CMFA framework information. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.4), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An improper access control vulnerability in BluetoothSettingsProvider prior to SMR Oct-2021 Release 1 allows untrusted application to overwrite some Bluetooth information. Rated low severity (CVSS 3.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Assuming system privilege is gained, possible buffer overflow vulnerabilities in the Vision DSP kernel driver prior to SMR Oct-2021 Release 1 allows privilege escalation to Root by hijacking loaded. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An insecure modification flaw in the /etc/passwd file was found in the openjdk-1.8 and openjdk-11 containers. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In sendBroadcastToInstaller of FirstScreenBroadcast.java, there is a possible activity launch due to an unsafe PendingIntent. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Incorrect Permission Assignment vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources due to misconfigured permissions.
In the SELinux policy configured in system_app.te, there is a possible way for system_app to gain code execution in other processes due to an overly-permissive SELinux policy. 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.
In lockNow of PhoneWindowManager.java, there is a possible lock screen bypass due to a race condition. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0).
In ParsedIntentInfo of ParsedIntentInfo.java, there is a possible parcel serialization/deserialization mismatch due to unsafe deserialization. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code through malicious serialized objects.
In TouchInputMapper::sync of TouchInputMapper.cpp, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a use after free. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In runTraceIpcStop of ActivityManagerShellCommand.java, there is a possible deletion of system files due to a confused deputy. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In onCreate of ConfirmConnectActivity.java, there is a possible pairing of untrusted Bluetooth devices due to a tapjacking/overlay attack. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
In lockAllProfileTasks of RootWindowContainer.java, there is a possible way to access the work profile without the profile PIN, after logging in. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Authentication vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms to gain unauthorized access.
PCI devices with RMRRs not deassigned correctly Certain PCI devices in a system might be assigned Reserved Memory Regions (specified via Reserved Memory Region Reporting, "RMRR"). Rated high severity (CVSS 7.6), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
An arbitrary file creation by privilege escalation vulnerability in Trend Micro Apex One, Apex One as a Service, Worry-Free Business Security 10.0 SP1, and Worry-Free Business Security Services could. Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
The FTL Server (tibftlserver) and Docker images containing tibftlserver components of TIBCO Software Inc.'s TIBCO ActiveSpaces - Community Edition, TIBCO ActiveSpaces - Developer Edition, TIBCO. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable. No vendor patch available.
Permissions rules were not applied while issues were moved between projects of the same group in GitLab versions starting with 10.6 and up to 14.1.7 allowing users to read confidential Epic. Rated medium severity (CVSS 4.3), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Wire-server is the backing server for the open source wire secure messaging application. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SuiteCRM 7.10.x before 7.10.33 and 7.11.x before 7.11.22 is vulnerable to privilege escalation. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Ballistix MOD Utility through 2.0.2.5 is vulnerable to privilege escalation in the MODAPI.sys driver component. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available and no vendor patch available.
There is an privilege escalation vulnerability in organization-specific logins in Esri Portal for ArcGIS versions 10.9 and below that may allow a remote, authenticated attacker who is able to. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Privilege Escalation vulnerability in a Windows system driver of McAfee Drive Encryption (DE) prior to 7.3.0 could allow a local non-admin user to gain elevated system privileges via exploiting an. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Windows version of Multipass before 1.7.0 allowed any local process to connect to the localhost TCP control socket to perform mounts from the operating system to a guest, allowing for privilege. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
ECOA BAS controller is vulnerable to configuration disclosure when direct object reference is made to the specific files using an HTTP GET request. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
ECOA BAS controller is vulnerable to weak access control mechanism allowing authenticated user to remotely escalate privileges by disclosing credentials of administrative accounts in plain-text. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Genuine Service versions 7.3 (and earlier) are affected by a privilege escalation vulnerability in the AGSService installer. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.3), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Creative Cloud Desktop Application for macOS version 5.3 (and earlier) is affected by a privilege escalation vulnerability that could allow a normal user to delete the OOBE directory and get. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
An uncontrolled search path element privilege escalation vulnerability in Trend Micro HouseCall for Home Networks version 5.3.1225 and below could allow an attacker to escalate privileges by placing. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0).
Insecure permissions in Confluent Ansible (cp-ansible) 5.5.0, 5.5.1, 5.5.2 and 6.0.0 allows local attackers to access some sensitive information (private keys, state database). Rated medium severity (CVSS 5.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Nagios XI before 5.8.5 has Incorrect Permission Assignment for repairmysql.sh. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Nagios XI before 5.8.5 has Incorrect Permission Assignment for migrate.php. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Kingdee KIS Professional Edition has a privilege escalation vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Adobe Digital Editions 4.5.11.187646 (and earlier) are affected by a privilege escalation vulnerability in the Digital Editions installer. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.5), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Unauthenticated Privilege Escalation vulnerability in WordPress uListing plugin (versions <= 2.0.5). 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.
During the installation process for all versions of the Zoom Client for Meetings for Windows before 5.4.0, it is possible to launch Internet Explorer. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
During the installation process forZoom Rooms for Conference Room for Windows before version 5.3.0 it is possible to launch Internet Explorer with elevated privileges. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A user-writable application bundle unpacked during the install for all versions of the Zoom Plugin for Microsoft Outlook for Mac before 5.0.25611.0521 allows for privilege escalation to root. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The Zoom Client for Meetings for Windows in all versions before version 5.3.2 writes log files to a user writable directory as a privileged user during the installation or update of the client. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In m4u, 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 m4u, 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 memory management driver, there is a possible memory corruption due to an integer overflow. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
sshd in OpenSSH 6.2 through 8.x before 8.8, when certain non-default configurations are used, allows privilege escalation because supplemental groups are not initialized as expected. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.0).
Privilege escalation in 'upload.php' in FrogCMS SentCMS v0.9.5 allows attacker to execute arbitrary code via crafted php file. 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.
DLL hijacking in Panda Agent <=1.16.11 in Panda Security, S.L.U. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
The vCenter Server contains multiple local privilege escalation vulnerabilities due to improper permissions of files and directories. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. Public exploit code available.
The vCenter Server contains a local privilege escalation vulnerability due to the way it handles session tokens. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Improper access control vulnerability in the repair process for McAfee Agent for Windows prior to 5.7.4 could allow a local attacker to perform a DLL preloading attack using unsigned DLLs. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper privilege management vulnerability in maconfig for McAfee Agent for Windows prior to 5.7.4 allows a local user to gain access to sensitive information. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
SonicWall Global VPN Client 4.10.5 installer (32-bit and 64-bit) incorrect default file permission vulnerability leads to privilege escalation which potentially allows command execution in the host. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
seatd-launch in seatd 0.6.x before 0.6.2 allows privilege escalation because it uses execlp and may be installed setuid root. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Improper input validation in the National Instruments NI-PAL driver in versions 20.0.0 and prior may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
HashiCorp Terraform Enterprise up to v202108-1 contained an API endpoint that erroneously disclosed a sensitive URL to authenticated parties, which could be used for privilege escalation or. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Windows Print Spooler 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.
Windows Print Spooler 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.
Windows Print Spooler 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.
Win32k 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.
Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock 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.
Microsoft Windows Update Client Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.1), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
Windows Common Log File System Driver 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.
Windows Event Tracing 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.
Windows Ancillary Function Driver for WinSock 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.
Windows 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.
Windows 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.
Win32k 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.
Windows SMB 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.
Windows Redirected Drive Buffering System 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.
Windows DNS 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.
Windows WLAN AutoConfig Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.0), 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.
Windows Subsystem for Linux 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.
Windows Event Tracing 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.
Windows Common Log File System Driver 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.
Windows Bind Filter Driver Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
On version 16.0.x before 16.0.1.2, 15.1.x before 15.1.3, 14.1.x before 14.1.4.1, 13.1.x before 13.1.4, 12.1.x before 12.1.6, and 11.6.x before 11.6.5.3, an authenticated user may perform a privilege. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.9), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
A vulnerability has been identified in RUGGEDCOM ROX MX5000 (All versions < V2.14.1), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1400 (All versions < V2.14.1), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1500 (All versions < V2.14.1), RUGGEDCOM ROX. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity.
A vulnerability has been identified in RUGGEDCOM ROX MX5000 (All versions < V2.14.1), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1400 (All versions < V2.14.1), RUGGEDCOM ROX RX1500 (All versions < V2.14.1), RUGGEDCOM ROX. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Improper Privilege Management vulnerability could allow attackers to escalate privileges to gain unauthorized elevated access.
The variable import endpoint was not protected by authentication in Airflow >=2.0.0, <2.1.3. Rated critical severity (CVSS 9.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required, low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
In Arista's MOS (Metamako Operating System) software which is supported on the 7130 product line, under certain conditions, the bash shell might be accessible to unprivileged users in situations. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.8), this vulnerability is low attack complexity. No vendor patch available.
Nessus Agent 8.3.0 and earlier was found to contain a local privilege escalation vulnerability which could allow an authenticated, local administrator to run specific executables on the Nessus Agent. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Nessus Agent 8.3.0 and earlier was found to contain a local privilege escalation vulnerability which could allow an authenticated, local administrator to run specific executables on the Nessus Agent. Rated medium severity (CVSS 6.7), this vulnerability is low attack complexity.
Central Dogma allows privilege escalation with mirroring to the internal dogma repository that has a file managing the authorization of the project. Rated high severity (CVSS 8.8), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, low attack complexity. This Missing Authorization vulnerability could allow attackers to access resources or perform actions without proper authorization checks.
Quick Facts
- Typical Severity
- HIGH
- Category
- auth
- Total CVEs
- 13377