Linux Privilege Escalation

Privilege escalation means getting more access or control over a system than you’re supposed to have. In Linux, it usually means going from a normal user to the root user — the one who has full power over everything.

What is Privilege Escalation?

When someone breaks out of their limited user role and gets higher permissions, like root access, it’s called privilege escalation. It’s a key concept in ethical hacking and real-world cyber attacks.

Types of Privilege Escalation

• Vertical Escalation: Going from a normal user to an admin or root user.
• Horizontal Escalation: Accessing another user’s data or files without having higher privileges.

Why It Matters in Cybersecurity

Privilege escalation is important for both hackers and defenders:

• Hackers: Use it to gain control over systems and do more damage or exploration.
• Security Experts: Learn these techniques to detect and fix security flaws before attackers can use them.

Common Techniques Used in Linux

Here are some popular methods attackers use to escalate privileges in Linux systems:

• SUID Binaries
• Sudo Misconfigurations
• Kernel Exploits
• Weak File Permissions
• PATH Variable Abuse

In this series, we'll explain each technique step-by-step, with real examples and how to defend against them. Whether you're just starting out or brushing up your skills — you're in the right place.