Privilege Escalation Definition:
Privilege Escalation is a process in which an attacker gains elevated access rights or privileges to a system, network, or application. This can allow them to perform actions, access sensitive data, or modify system configurations that would typically be restricted to higher-privileged users or administrators.
What is Privilege Escalation?
Privilege Escalation occurs when an attacker Exploits a Vulnerability, misconfiguration, or weak security control to move from a lower-privileged account (such as a regular user) to a higher-privileged one (such as an administrator). There are two main types: vertical Privilege Escalation, where attackers move to a higher privilege level, and horizontal Privilege Escalation, where they access resources of another user with similar privileges.
Why is Privilege Escalation important?
The purpose of Privilege Escalation is to gain unauthorised access to systems or data that are normally restricted. Attackers use Privilege Escalation to expand their control within a compromised system, steal sensitive information, disrupt operations, or gain persistence for further attacks.
How does Privilege Escalation work?
Privilege Escalation is often achieved through various techniques, such as Exploiting software vulnerabilities, misconfigured permissions, weak passwords, or Social Engineering attacks. Once inside a system, attackers may use tools to search for Exploitable weaknesses, misconfigured services, or stored credentials. Properly Patching systems, using Least Privilege principles, and regularly auditing user permissions can help mitigate the risk of Privilege Escalation.
Privilege Escalation Examples:
Examples of Privilege Escalation include Exploiting a Buffer Overflow Vulnerability to gain administrative access, using credential theft techniques to assume another user’s identity, or abusing misconfigured file permissions to access restricted data. Attackers may also escalate privileges by Exploiting flaws in operating systems or applications.
Privilege Escalation Issues:
Privilege Escalation poses a serious security risk, as it often leads to Data Breaches, system compromise, or persistent threats. To defend against it, organisations should enforce the principle of Least Privilege, apply security Patches promptly, monitor for unusual user behaviour, and conduct regular Security Audits.
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