Escalating Privileges

Escalating Privileges - System Hacking Guide

Introduction to Escalating Privileges

Privilege escalation is a critical concept in system hacking where attackers attempt to gain higher-level permissions than initially acquired. This guide explains its importance, mechanisms, and how to approach related exam questions.

Why Privilege Escalation is Important

Privilege escalation represents a crucial phase in the attack lifecycle because:

1. Initial access often yields limited permissions
2. Administrative/root privileges are needed to:
- Install backdoors or persistent access mechanisms
- Access sensitive data
- Modify system configurations
- Disable security controls
- Move laterally through networks

Types of Privilege Escalation

Vertical Privilege Escalation: Gaining higher permission levels (e.g., user to administrator)

Horizontal Privilege Escalation: Accessing resources of another user with similar permission levels

Common Privilege Escalation Techniques

1. Exploiting Vulnerabilities
- Unpatched operating systems
- Vulnerable applications
- Kernel exploits

2. Credential Exploitation
- Password cracking
- Pass-the-hash attacks
- Kerberoasting
- Memory extraction (Mimikatz)

3. Misconfiguration Abuse
- Weak file/folder permissions
- Excessive user rights
- Insecure service configurations
- AutoRun settings

4. Social Engineering
- Phishing for admin credentials
- Tricking users into executing malicious code

Tools for Privilege Escalation

Windows Environment:
- Metasploit modules
- PowerUp
- BeRoot
- Windows Exploit Suggester
- PowerShell Empire

Linux Environment:
- LinEnum
- LinPEAS
- Linux Exploit Suggester
- GTFOBins
- Dirty COW exploits

Prevention Measures

1. Implement the principle of least privilege
2. Keep systems and applications updated
3. Use proper password policies
4. Implement application whitelisting
5. Monitor for suspicious activities
6. Utilize User Account Control (UAC)
7. Employ privilege access management solutions

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Escalating Privileges

1. Understand the Context
- Identify the operating system (Windows/Linux/macOS)
- Note available access level (standard user, guest, etc.)
- Consider network environment (domain-joined, standalone)

2. Recognize Attack Patterns
- Know which attacks apply to specific OS versions
- Identify which techniques require local vs. remote access
- Understand which attacks require social engineering components

3. Prioritize Techniques
- Automated tools come first in real-world scenarios
- Manual techniques might be preferred in stealthy operations
- Consider escalation paths based on initial access method

4. Remember Key Terminology
- UAC bypass methods
- DLL hijacking
- SUID/SGID binaries
- Kernel exploits
- Token manipulation

5. Focus on Real-World Application
- Study actual privilege escalation CVEs
- Understand which techniques leave forensic evidence
- Know detection methods for each technique

6. Common Exam Question Types
- Identifying the most appropriate escalation technique for a scenario
- Ordering steps in a privilege escalation attack
- Recognizing vulnerable configurations
- Selecting the proper tool for specific escalation methods
- Identifying post-escalation activities

When faced with multiple correct-seeming answers, choose the option that:
- Is most efficient (requires fewest steps)
- Has highest success probability
- Leaves minimal evidence
- Aligns with the attacker's presumed goals