What does Privilege Escalation refer to?

Privilege escalation refers to the process where an individual gains higher access rights than they are authorized to possess within a system or network. This can occur through various means, such as exploiting vulnerabilities in software, errors in configuration, or mismanaged permissions.

In security contexts, privilege escalation can be particularly dangerous because it allows unauthorized users to perform actions that should be restricted to those with higher privileges, such as accessing sensitive data, altering system configurations, or executing critical commands. This can lead to data breaches, system compromise, or other malicious activities.

Understanding privilege escalation is vital for developing effective security policies and implementing countermeasures to prevent unauthorized access. By recognizing the risks associated with privilege escalation, organizations can better protect their assets and maintain the integrity and confidentiality of their data.