Privilege & Access Control

Category Overview: Techniques targeting privilege escalation and access control weaknesses in MCP systems.

This category covers vulnerabilities related to unauthorized privilege escalation, access control bypass, and unauthorized access to system resources.

Techniques in this Category

  1. Unauthorized Privilege Escalation - Exploiting flaws to gain elevated system privileges
  2. Excessive Tool Permissions - Exploiting overly broad tool access permissions
  3. Sandbox Escape - Breaking out of security sandboxes and containment
  4. Resource Access Control Bypass - Bypassing access controls for protected resources
  5. Cross-Context Access - Unauthorized access across different security contexts
  6. Process Injection - Injecting malicious code into legitimate processes

Common Attack Vectors

  • Privilege Escalation: Exploiting system vulnerabilities to gain higher privileges
  • Access Control Bypass: Circumventing security controls and permissions
  • Sandbox Escape: Breaking out of security containment mechanisms
  • Resource Access: Unauthorized access to system resources and data
  • Cross-Context Attacks: Accessing resources across security boundaries
  • Process Manipulation: Injecting code into legitimate system processes

Impact Assessment

  • System Compromise: Complete system takeover through privilege escalation
  • Data Access: Unauthorized access to sensitive data and resources
  • Security Bypass: Circumventing security controls and protections
  • System Integrity: Compromise of system integrity and security
  • Operational Impact: Disruption of normal system operations
  • Escalation Potential: Foundation for further attacks and system compromise

Privilege & Access Control vulnerabilities represent critical security risks that can lead to complete system compromise through unauthorized access and privilege escalation.

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