A privilege escalation attack is a type of security exploit where an attacker gains higher-level access to a system or network than they are authorized to have. The goal is to obtain elevated privileges—such as administrative or root access—that allow the attacker to perform unauthorized actions or access restricted areas of the system.

Types of Privilege Escalation Attacks
Vertical Privilege Escalation: This occurs when an attacker with lower-level access gains higher-level access. For example, a standard user exploiting a vulnerability to gain administrative privileges.

Horizontal Privilege Escalation: This involves an attacker accessing resources or actions that should be restricted even though the attacker’s account has the same level of privileges as the targeted account. For instance, a user accessing another user’s data or files.

Methods of Performing Privilege Escalation
Exploiting Vulnerabilities:

Software Bugs: Finding and exploiting flaws or bugs in software that allow the attacker to execute code or gain higher privileges. For example, buffer overflow vulnerabilities can sometimes allow for privilege escalation.
Misconfigured Software: Using software that is improperly configured can sometimes allow users to elevate their privileges. For instance, services running with elevated permissions that should not be accessible to normal users.
Abusing System Configurations:

SUID/SGID Bits: On Unix-based systems, files with the Set User ID (SUID) or Set Group ID (SGID) bits set can be exploited to run executables with the privileges of the file’s owner or group, potentially allowing privilege escalation.
Insecure Permissions: Exploiting directories or files with overly permissive permissions to inject or modify files that can be executed with higher privileges.
Credential Harvesting:

Password Cracking: If an attacker can obtain hashed passwords, they might be able to crack them and gain higher-level access if they obtain administrative credentials.
Credential Dumping: Using tools or techniques to extract credentials from memory, disk, or configuration files.
Social Engineering:

Phishing: Trick users into revealing their credentials or other sensitive information that could be used to escalate privileges.
Impersonation: Convincing legitimate users or administrators to perform actions or grant access that allows privilege escalation.
Kernel Exploits:

Exploiting vulnerabilities within the operating system’s kernel can provide root-level access or other elevated privileges.
Application Misconfigurations:

Insecure Code: Exploiting poorly written or insecure application code that doesn’t properly check user permissions or validate inputs.
Preventive Measures
Regular Updates: Keep software and systems updated with the latest security patches to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Least Privilege Principle: Ensure users and applications only have the minimal privileges required to perform their functions.
Secure Configuration: Properly configure system permissions and services to limit exposure.
Monitoring and Auditing: Implement monitoring to detect unusual activities that might indicate privilege escalation attempts.
Security Awareness Training: Educate users about social engineering tactics and secure handling of credentials.
Privilege escalation is a critical security concern, and defending against it involves a combination of system hardening vigilant monitoring, and user education.