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Privilege Escalation: Attack Techniques and 5 Defensive Measures

July 29, 2025 |
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| 9  min read |

Key takeaways

  • Privilege escalation lets attackers gain unauthorized access by exploiting software flaws, misconfigurations, or credentials.
  • Vertical and horizontal escalation affect both system control and peer-level data.
  • Preventive measures include least privilege, patching, MFA, and continuous monitoring.

In this article:

What is privilege escalation?

Privilege escalation is when an attacker gains higher-level access or permissions than intended, typically by exploiting vulnerabilities or misconfigurations.

It is a process hackers use to gain elevated access to resources that are typically protected from users. This can mean gaining a higher level of permission than what a user or application should have, bypassing security measures. 

Privilege escalation vulnerabilities can enable attackers to execute unauthorized code or steal data crucial for operations. These breaches can lead to significant damage, including data loss, financial loss, and compromised system integrity.

Attackers exploit system weaknesses to gain elevated access, often through poorly configured permissions or software vulnerabilities. Once within a system, they may move laterally to access further resources. This unauthorized access can remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to conduct various malicious activities. 

As Ronak Massand of Adaptive explains, “the primary goal of a hacker in any breach is to exfiltrate this data.” This highlights why privilege escalation often leads directly to major incidents.

What is the impact of privilege escalation attacks?

Privilege escalation attacks can lead to data breaches, system disruptions, and financial or regulatory consequences due to unauthorized access to sensitive resources. 

These attacks enable unauthorized access to sensitive data and critical systems, allowing attackers to compromise or manipulate resources at an administrative level. This level of access often enables attackers to conduct malicious activities, such as:

  • Exfiltrating data
  • Modifying security configurations
  • Deploying malware across systems.

One of the major impacts of privilege escalation is data breach, which can result in the exposure of confidential data like customer information, intellectual property, and financial records. Such breaches can lead to regulatory penalties, especially for industries governed by data protection regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA, resulting in substantial financial losses and legal liabilities.

Privilege escalation also undermines system integrity and availability. Attackers with elevated privileges can disable or corrupt services, delete or alter logs to cover their tracks, and disrupt essential operations. This can lead to operational downtime, lost productivity, and the potential need for costly system restorations.

BeyondTrust reported that in 2024, a record-breaking 1,360 Microsoft vulnerabilities were reported, which is an 11% increase over the previous high in 2022. Alarmingly, Elevation of Privilege (EoP) vulnerabilities made up 40% (554) of these, underscoring just how widespread and persistent privilege escalation threats have become across modern systems.

This is part of a series of articles about identity and access management.

What are the types of privilege escalation attacks?

Privilege escalation can be vertical (gaining higher access) or horizontal (accessing peer-level accounts illegitimately).

Vertical privilege escalation

Vertical privilege escalation occurs when a user exploits vulnerabilities in an application or operating system to gain higher-level access than intended. 

This type of attack grants administrative control and enables actions that are typically restricted to system administrators, such as:

  • Modifying or deleting system logs
  • Shutting down critical services
  • Installing malware or unauthorized programs

These attacks usually rely on identifying and exploiting:

  • Misconfigured permissions
  • Unpatched security flaws
  • Default or overly broad access settings

Preventing vertical privilege escalation requires vigilant system management, frequent audits, and timely patching of known vulnerabilities.

Horizontal privilege escalation

Horizontal privilege escalation occurs when an attacker gains access to another user’s account or data without needing elevated permissions. 

Instead of targeting administrative control, the attacker impersonates or bypasses a user with similar access, often by exploiting flaws in how applications validate identity.

This can lead to significant risks, such as:

  • Viewing or stealing another user’s personal or business data
  • Performing unauthorized actions, like sending messages or initiating transactions
  • Violating privacy policies and eroding user trust

These attacks typically succeed when systems have weak session management, broken access controls, or insufficient authentication checks. Mitigating these risks requires strong identity verification mechanisms, consistent monitoring, and detailed logging of user activity to detect and respond to suspicious behavior.

Tips from the expert

anthony Dombrowski

Anthony Dombrowski Developer Relations

Anthony Dombrowski is a product manager and developer advocate with expertise in developer experience, cybersecurity, and product strategy. He has led initiatives at Ping Identity and DevNetwork to enhance developer tools, authentication processes, and user experiences.

Anthony Dombrowski is a product manager and developer advocate with expertise in developer experience, cybersecurity, and product strategy. He has led initiatives at Ping Identity and DevNetwork to enhance developer tools, authentication processes, and user experiences.

  • Implement privilege separation with containerization: Use containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) to isolate applications and services. By separating privileges across containers, you can contain an attacker’s reach even if they succeed in escalating privileges within one container, reducing the risk of lateral movement.
  • Enable privilege escalation detection in real time: Use real-time monitoring tools to detect unusual privilege changes, including alerts for unexpected elevation requests or actions performed by accounts with newly elevated privileges. Behavior analytics combined with SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solutions can help detect these patterns early.
  • Automate privilege expiration and time-bound roles: Implement time-bound access for roles needing temporary privileges, such as system maintenance or specific projects. Automating privilege expiration helps ensure users revert to their baseline access levels after the task, minimizing prolonged exposure to elevated privileges.
  • Use secured secrets management systems for sensitive credentials: Store credentials, API keys, and other sensitive information in dedicated secrets management systems (e.g., HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager) instead of embedding them in application code or configurations. This limits exposure in the event of a privilege escalation attack.
  • Apply privilege escalation constraints at the kernel level: Employ kernel-level security enhancements (e.g., SELinux, AppArmor, or Windows Hypervisor) that enforce fine-grained access controls on processes and restrict privilege escalation pathways within the OS. This approach limits an attacker’s ability to gain root-level access.

What are the common privilege escalation techniques?

Attackers use software flaws, weak credentials, malware, misconfigurations, and social engineering to escalate privileges.

There are several techniques that attackers use to escalate privileges in target systems.

Exploiting software vulnerabilities

Attackers often take advantage of unpatched software vulnerabilities to escalate privileges. Using techniques like buffer overflows, they manipulate software to execute arbitrary code in a higher privilege context. 

These vulnerabilities, commonly found in outdated software versions, open pathways for attackers to breach system defenses and access restricted functionalities.

Credential exploitation

Credential exploitation allows attackers access to sensitive data without disrupting system operations. Attackers use tactics like password phishing, brute force attacks, or capturing credentials stored in plain text. 

Once credentials are compromised, attackers can impersonate users, bypassing existing access restrictions.

Malware and rootkits

Deploying malware and rootkits enables attackers to covertly escalate privileges and maintain persistent control over systems. Malware can introduce backdoors, granting unauthorized access, while rootkits allow for deeper system manipulation, concealing the attacker’s activities from monitoring systems.

Misconfigurations and configuration errors

Privilege escalation often stems from system misconfigurations and errors in implementing security policies. Incorrect permission settings or default credentials can expose critical pathways for attackers to navigate systems freely. 

By taking advantage of these lapses, attackers can execute tasks typically restricted to higher privilege levels.

Social engineering tactics

Social engineering tactics manipulate users into exposing sensitive information or granting unauthorized access. Techniques such as phishing, pretexting, and baiting target user psychology rather than technological defenses. 

By convincing users to act inadvertently, attackers gain access pathways otherwise well-guarded.

What is privilege escalation in common operating systems? 

Windows privilege escalation

Common methods for privilege escalation within the Windows operating system include leveraging unpatched vulnerabilities, exploiting Windows services, and taking advantage of misconfigurations. Attackers may use techniques like DLL hijacking, where a malicious DLL is loaded by a trusted application, or access tokens manipulation, allowing attackers to impersonate privileged users.

Weak configurations in Group Policy or access control lists (ACLs) can also enable privilege escalation. Attackers may exploit these weaknesses by using tools such as Mimikatz to extract credentials or escalate privileges via the Local Security Authority Subsystem Service (LSASS). 

Linux privilege escalation

In Linux environments, privilege escalation often occurs through kernel vulnerabilities, SUID (set owner user ID) misconfigurations, and cron jobs with improper permissions. Attackers can escalate privileges by exploiting SUID programs, which allow regular users to execute certain commands with elevated permissions. 

Kernel exploits like Dirty COW (CVE-2016-5195) are commonly targeted because they provide a direct path to root-level access. Weaknesses in sudo configurations or improperly secured environment variables also create opportunities for privilege escalation. 

Android privilege escalation

In Android applications and systems, common attack vectors include exploiting root access, manipulating APKs to bypass security controls, and exploiting device firmware vulnerabilities. For example, attackers might use rooting techniques or exploit kernel vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges on a device.

Unpatched system vulnerabilities, particularly in older Android versions, make privilege escalation attacks more likely. Additionally, attackers may exploit poorly coded apps that request excessive permissions or fail to isolate sensitive data. 

What are 5 best practices to prevent privilege escalation?

Organizations can prevent escalation through least privilege, patching, MFA, auditing, and PAM tools.

1. Enforce the principle of least privilege

Implementing the principle of least privilege minimizes exposure by restricting user permissions strictly to what is required for their tasks. This approach reduces the risk of privilege escalation by limiting the extent to which an attacker can exploit compromised accounts or applications. By granting only essential access, organizations decrease the potential blast radius of an attack.

Regular audits of user access and role-based access controls are vital to ensure compliance with this principle. Automating access reviews and leveraging identity governance solutions can further reinforce security postures, making unauthorized privilege access significantly harder for attackers to achieve.

2. Implement regular patch management and system updates

Regularly applying security patches for operating systems, applications, and firmware addresses known vulnerabilities, closing potential entry points for attackers seeking elevated access.

Strong patch management processes should prioritize critical updates with stringent implementation timelines. Utilizing automated patch management tools can simplify this process, ensuring consistent adherence to patching protocols. 

3. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA increases security by requiring multiple verification factors for accessing systems. By combining something you know (password), something you have (smartphone), and something you are (biometrics), MFA counters privilege escalation tactics that rely on stolen credentials.

Instituting MFA across critical systems and accounts, particularly for administrators, raises security barriers, making unauthorized access exceedingly difficult. Regularly educating users on the importance of MFA adoption further strengthens organizational resilience against privilege escalation threats.

4. Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing

Regular security audits and penetration testing identify potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited for privilege escalation. These evaluations simulate real-world attack scenarios, enabling organizations to refine their defenses and implement necessary improvements.

Engaging in comprehensive auditing and testing processes helps maintain an up-to-date vulnerability landscape, allowing proactive mitigation strategies. By revealing potential weaknesses before attackers exploit them, organizations remain better prepared to handle potential privilege escalation attempts.

5. Use Privileged Access Management (PAM) Solutions

PAM solutions provide control over privileged accounts, which are attractive targets for attackers seeking to escalate privileges. These solutions offer capabilities such as session monitoring, password vaulting, and just-in-time access, reducing the risk of unauthorized privilege elevation.

Incorporating PAM solutions into the security architecture improves protection of sensitive assets and functions, as they ensure authorized access is strictly monitored and controlled.

Preventing privilege escalation with Frontegg

Frontegg cuts down on privilege escalation risks by distributing identity responsibilities across teams. Instead of relying solely on developers, Frontegg gives infosec, customer success, and product teams the tools to manage identity directly within their domain. 

This closes the security gaps that form when requests sit in the backlog and devs are the only gatekeepers. Less waiting, less risk, and faster enforcement of identity policies.

Here’s how Frontegg helps prevent privilege escalation:

  • Built-in RBAC and permission constraints ensure users only access what they need
  • Time-bound roles automatically expire elevated privileges after a set period
  • Real-time monitoring flags unusual changes in access levels or behavior
  • Self-service controls reduce dependence on devs and tighten response times

This setup lowers the attack surface and gives each team the control they need without adding complexity or overhead.

Glossary of terms

  • Access Control List (ACL): A permissions list that defines what actions users or systems can perform on files or resources.
  • AppArmor: A Linux kernel security module that confines programs to a set of resources using security profiles.
  • Buffer Overflow: A vulnerability where extra input overwrites memory, allowing arbitrary code execution.
  • Dirty COW (CVE-2016-5195): A Linux vulnerability allowing attackers to write to read-only memory, used for privilege escalation.
  • DLL Hijacking: A Windows exploit where a malicious Dynamic Link Library (DLL) is loaded instead of a legitimate one.
  • HashiCorp Vault: A secrets management tool used to store and protect sensitive data like credentials and tokens.
  • Hyper-V: Microsoft’s hypervisor for running virtual machines; can restrict privilege escalation vectors at the kernel level.
  • LSASS (Local Security Authority Subsystem Service): A critical Windows process responsible for enforcing security policies and handling credential storage.
  • Mimikatz: A post-exploitation tool often used by attackers to extract plaintext passwords and hashes from memory.
  • Rootkit: A stealthy type of malware that hides its presence while enabling privileged access to systems.
  • SUID (Set User ID): A special Unix file permission that allows users to run a file with the permissions of the file’s owner.
  • Token Impersonation: A method attackers use to assume the security context of another user by reusing their access token.

References

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