👉 Overview
👀 What ?
Linux Privesc, short for Linux Privilege Escalation, is a technique used in cybersecurity where a user gains higher privileges or access levels than initially granted, such as moving from user to admin. It exploits vulnerabilities or misconfigurations in the Linux operating system.
🧐 Why ?
Linux Privesc is important because it's a common method used by attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems and data. Understanding how it works can help in developing more secure systems, detecting such attacks, and responding accordingly.
⛏️ How ?
To implement Linux Privesc, one must first find a vulnerability or a misconfiguration that can be exploited. This can be done using various scanning tools, or manual inspection of system configurations. The next step is to exploit the found vulnerability using a suitable exploit, which results in elevated privileges.
⏳ When ?
Linux Privesc has been in use since the inception of the Linux operating system as it is a fundamental aspect of system security. The concept has gained more attention in recent years due to the rise in cyber attacks and the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
⚙️ Technical Explanations
Linux Privesc takes advantage of vulnerabilities or misconfigurations in the Linux system. These vulnerabilities can exist in the kernel, system services, installed software, or system configuration. For example, a system may be configured to allow certain users to execute some commands as an administrator without a password. This misconfiguration can be exploited to gain elevated privileges. Other common examples include outdated software with known vulnerabilities, weak file permissions, and exposed sensitive information. Once the vulnerability has been identified, an exploit specific to that vulnerability is used to escalate privileges.