| name | performing-privilege-escalation-on-linux |
| description | Linux privilege escalation involves elevating from a low-privilege user account to root access on a compromised system. Red teams exploit misconfigurations, vulnerable services, kernel exploits, and w. Use when working with performing privilege escalation on linux. |
| domain | cybersecurity |
| subdomain | red-teaming |
| tags | ["red-team","adversary-simulation","mitre-attack","exploitation","post-exploitation","privilege-escalation","linux"] |
| version | 1.0 |
| author | oyi77 |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| d3fend_techniques | ["Restore Object","Network Traffic Policy Mapping","Restore Configuration","Access Modeling","Operational Activity Mapping"] |
| nist_csf | ["ID.RA-01","GV.OV-02","DE.AE-07"] |
Performing Privilege Escalation on Linux
Legal Notice: This skill is for authorized security testing and educational purposes only. Unauthorized use against systems you do not own or have written permission to test is illegal and may violate computer fraud laws.
Overview
Linux privilege escalation involves elevating from a low-privilege user account to root access on a compromised system. Red teams exploit misconfigurations, vulnerable services, kernel exploits, and weak permissions to achieve root. This skill covers both manual enumeration techniques and automated tools for identifying and exploiting privilege escalation vectors.
When to Use
Trigger phrases:
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"performing privilege escalation on linux"
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"Linux privilege escalation involves elevating from a low-privilege user account "
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When conducting security assessments that involve performing privilege escalation on linux
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When following incident response procedures for related security events
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When performing scheduled security testing or auditing activities
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When validating security controls through hands-on testing
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with red teaming concepts and tools
- Access to a test or lab environment for safe execution
- Python 3.8+ with required dependencies installed
- Appropriate authorization for any testing activities
MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
- T1548.001 - Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism: Setuid and Setgid
- T1548.003 - Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism: Sudo and Sudo Caching
- T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation
- T1574.006 - Hijack Execution Flow: Dynamic Linker Hijacking
- T1053.003 - Scheduled Task/Job: Cron
- T1543.002 - Create or Modify System Process: Systemd Service
Key Escalation Vectors
This section covers key escalation vectors for performing privilege escalation on linux.
- Ensure all prerequisites are met before proceeding
- Follow the documented workflow steps in sequence
- Record results and any anomalies encountered during this phase
SUID/SGID Binaries
- Find SUID binaries:
find / -perm -4000 -type f 2>/dev/null
- Check GTFOBins for exploitation methods
