Which UNIX tool allows a user to execute commands with the privileges of another user, often root?

• A. Spectre & Meltdown Checker
• B. Sudo
• C. Kernel Exploits
• D. BeRoot

Answer: (B)

Privilege escalation to run commands with elevated rights, usually as root, is achieved with a Unix tool that delegates privileges. This utility lets a user execute a specified command as another user after authentication, typically the superuser. The permissions are controlled in a configuration file (sudoers) that defines which users can run which commands as which user and under what circumstances. When you use it, you authenticate with your own password, and the action is logged for auditing. You can restrict it to specific commands, prevent certain environment changes, and require re-authentication after a timeout, all of which support the principle of least privilege by avoiding a constant root session and by granting only what’s necessary.

Other options don’t fit this use case. One is a tool for checking CPU speculative execution vulnerabilities; another refers to techniques or tools used to exploit kernel weaknesses; and BeRoot is a security-testing utility that helps identify potential privilege escalation paths rather than serving as the standard method to execute commands with elevated privileges.