Understanding of Privilege Escalations – Attacks, Types and Mitigation

What Is Privilege Escalation?

Privilege escalation is a type of cyber attack that occurs when attackers obtain increased access levels. For example, a regular computer user can become an administrator. It is extremely dangerous because it enables the thief to steal information, change settings, or destroy things. Privilege escalations are one of the concerns in cyber security. 

How Privilege Escalation Works?

Initially, privilege escalation attack begins with having low-level access. By exploiting vulnerabilities, attackers gain higher privileges. These could be software errors, poor configurations, or weak passwords. The following processes gradually take place one after another:

Initial Access: 

Attackers get into the system using various types of methods, such as phishing, malware, or taking advantage of the vulnerability.

Finding Weaknesses:

Inside, they start the ultimate search for weaknesses like software bugs and misguided configurations.

Exploiting Weaknesses:

Next, the hackers come to the major point. They start exploiting all of these weaknesses to get the greater levels of entry. They achieve this through running malicious code or changing the basic system settings.

Gaining Higher Privileges:

After escalating their privileges from being just a low-level user to an admin or other high-level users

Maintaining Access:

Attackers ensure that they can maintain control by creating backdoors, changing passwords and hiding tracks.

Importance of Preventing Privilege Escalation

Preventing privilege escalation attacks is extremely vital because it protects sensitive information and maintains the overall system integrity. Attackers who have high-level access can cause some major damage. They may steal data or disrupt events if proper measures are not put in place to prevent them from getting away with these activities.

Types of Privilege Escalations

There are two kinds of privilege escalations; horizontal and vertical privilege escalation.

Vertical Privilege Escalation:

Vertical escalation happens when an attacker elevates their access levels. For instance, a regular user turns into an admin. This empowers the attacker, with control over the system allowing them to alter settings view data, and carry out administrative tasks.

Horizontal Privilege Escalation:

Horizontal escalation occurs when an attacker gains access at the level of another user. While they don’t achieve access they can reach resources. For example, one user accessing another user’s files represents this kind of escalation focused on resource accessibility at the level.

Hopefully, you have now understood about privilege escalation attack types.

Also Read : What is an ARP Spoofing Attack? 

Common Types of Privilege Escalation Techniques or Methods

Attackers employ methods to escalate privileges. Some common tactics of privilege escalation in cyber security involve exploiting software vulnerabilities.

Exploiting Software Bugs:

By leveraging bugs in software attackers can elevate their access levels; for instance using a buffer overflow to execute code.

Misusing Default Passwords:

Many systems rely on default passwords that if left unchanged can be exploited by attackers for gaining access. It’s crucial to replace default passwords with unique ones.

Manipulating System Configurations:

Exploiting configurations is another strategy used by attackers where they manipulate settings to obtain privileges – such as altering file permissions to gain entry into restricted files.

Social Engineering Tactics:

Additionally, attackers resort to deceiving users into surrendering access through tactics, like phishing or other social engineering techniques.

Credential Dumping:

For instance, a common tactic involves sending an email disguised as IT support to request login details. Cybercriminals retrieve passwords or access tokens stored in memory or, on disk and leverage them to escalate their privileges. They may employ tools like Mimikatz to extract credentials, from system memory.

Exploiting Vulnerable Services:

These attackers focus on exploiting weaknesses in services or applications to elevate their level of access. An example would be targeting a web server known to have vulnerabilities.

Also Read : What is Password Cracking?

Differences Between Vertical and Horizontal Privilege Escalation

It is essential to know the disparities between horizontal and vertical privilege escalation.

Vertical Privilege Escalation:
This happens once an attacker has gained more privileges. As an illustration, a normal user becomes an administrator. This provides the intruder with enhanced control over the target system. As a result, there will be alteration of settings or access to private data.

Horizontal Privilege Escalation:
This occurs when an attacker goes up by one user level. In this type, attackers do not gain higher access rights just that they can now use more resources. For example, one user accessing another user’s files. It entails accessing more resources at the same level.

How to Detect a Privilege Escalation Attack?

Crucial information about detecting a privilege escalation attack should be provided by you at this stage. Watch out for any unusual activities. The signs include:

Unexpected Changes in Settings:
Sudden changes in system settings may indicate that the system has been compromised. For instance, if file permissions change unexpectedly.

Strange Access Patterns:
Unusual login times or locations can also serve as indicators. An example is when a person logs in from an unknown place.

Unauthorized Access Attempts:
Multiple failed login attempts could mean danger. For instance when the admin account experiences many login failures

Unusual System Behavior:
When systems start acting weird it may be indicative of something wrong. For instance, if systems are slower than usual or crash unexpectedly.

Look for these signs using monitoring tools. You should frequently check the log for suspicious activities on your network setup. Create alerts on abnormal behavior within your network.

Examples of Privilege Escalation Attacks

There have been numerous incidents of privilege escalation attacks across various sectors. Some examples are:

Stuxnet:

The nuclear facilities of Iran were attacked by this malware. It used privilege escalation to have control. The attackers got access to control systems and caused physical damage.

Target Data Breach:

Attackers utilized a third-party vendor’s account details. There was an increase in authority to be able to hack into private data. They took millions of customer’s credit card information.

Sony Pictures Hack:

Sony’s network was broken into by the attackers. They climbed up the ladder of administration privileges and stole sensitive data. E-mails were leaked, formerly unreleased movies and employee data.

Windows Vulnerabilities:

Windows had various vulnerabilities that were exploited. Attackers gained control through privilege escalation attacks. An example is the MS14-068 vulnerability which was heavily exploited.

Best Practices to Prevent Privilege Escalation Attacks

To prevent privilege escalation attacks; follow these steps:

Use Strong, Unique Passwords:

Weak passwords are easy targets for hackers doing credential stuffing attacks, so use strong ones instead that you change regularly and consider using a password manager.

Update Software Regularly:

Bugs are fixed with software updates which help reduce vulnerabilities in software, hence keeping it updated at all times can be very helpful. Setting up automatic updates is recommended if possible

Limit User Permissions:

Give users just what they need in terms of access rights which will limit any potential damage as per least privilege security principle

Monitor and Audit Activities:

Unusual activities should be checked on logs on a regular basis while monitoring tools could be used for detecting suspicious behavior that may warrant further investigation or actions such as setting alarms for important events

Educate Employees on Security:

Employees also should know about security practices; train them so they can identify different types of phishing scams and other attack methods.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

MFA can be used to provide additional security. Even if passwords are stolen by hackers, they still require another factor. All important accounts should use MFA.

Use Security Tools:

Use firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection tools. Such tools go a long way in detecting and blocking attacks. Frequently update and configure them.

Perform Regular Security Audits:

Vulnerability assessment should be carried out on systems regularly. Fix any vulnerabilities you discover. It may also be wise to hire third-party experts for thorough audits.

Implement Strong Access Controls:

Access control lists (ACLs) are employed to manage permissions. Sensitive data should be accessible only by authorized users alone.

Segregate Networks:

Different parts of your network should be kept isolated from each other, which will limit the extent to which an attack can spread through it. Use VLAN’S as well as other techniques that segment networks.

Give a try to cybersecurity master programs to understand how exactly you can prevent these types of attacks. 

Tools to Protect Your Systems from Privilege Escalation

There are many tools to protect against privilege escalation:

Antivirus Software:

This can identify malware and remove it from your computer system; thus preventing many attacks before they happen. Ensure that you keep updating the antivirus definitions regularly.

Firewalls:

Unauthorized access is blocked by firewalls which form part of the most important aspects of security configuration needed to set up. Filter suspicious traffic with them.

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS):

IDS detects suspicious activities inside your network or system now and then that may be used against you making you aware of possible attack scenarios; monitor network traffic or system logs through them.

Access Control Management:

User permissions are managed by such tools that ensure users have permissions only for what they need without having more than necessary at one time; update and review permission levels regularly.

Patch Management Tools:

Software patching is an essential technique these days for keeping all applications updated, ensuring none of such updates pass unnoticed; Use them to automate patching.

Conclusion

If you are wondering what is privilege escalation attack, iPrivilege escalation is a big threat in cybersecurity. It happens when attackers get more access than they should. This lets them control systems and data. There are two types: vertical and horizontal. Both are bad and you should stop them. You should take the tips seriously. Start using strong passwords. Don’t forget to update your software from time to time. Also, don’t give access to everyone. Instead, limit user permissions to stay safe. Always monitor your systems and train your staff. Use security tools to find and stop attacks. Privilege escalation can cause a lot of harm, so it’s important to be careful.

FAQs

What is a privilege in cybersecurity?

A privilege is a right to access something. For example, reading a file or changing a setting.

What are the benefits of privilege escalation for attackers?

With Privilege escalation, the attackers can get the major control to the systems and then, use all the data and information as per their evil intentions.

Which of the following is an example of privilege escalation?

Gaining admin rights from a user account is an example. It allows the attacker to perform admin tasks.

What are the two main types of privilege escalation?

Vertical and horizontal. Vertical is gaining higher access. Horizontal is accessing another user’s level.

Why is privilege escalation dangerous?

It gives attackers more control. They can access sensitive data and cause damage. This makes attacks more severe.