What is the term for an attack in which an unauthorized user gains higher privileges on a system, such as obtaining administrator access?

• A. Vertical Privilege Escalation
• B. Horizontal Privilege Escalation
• C. Lateral Movement
• D. Privilege Creep

Answer: (A)

Vertical privilege escalation is the act of an attacker moving from a lower-privilege account to a higher-privilege one, such as gaining administrator or root rights. This elevation allows the attacker to override security controls, install software, access sensitive data, and modify system configurations that were protected at the lower privilege level. It’s different from accessing another account at the same privilege level (horizontal escalation) or simply moving around the network to other systems (lateral movement). Privilege creep refers to privileges accumulating over time rather than a focused, one-time elevation to a higher level.