Primary definition
An attack on a system where the attacker is using some means to bypass security controls in order to attain a higher privilege level on the target system.
Also known asEoP · privilege escalation · privilege elevation · rights elevation · privilege escalation attack
2 sources cited4 related termsReviewed Aug 10, 2026
— EAC Information Technology TerminologyView source
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EAC
U.S. Election Assistance Commission
High consensus
An attack on a system where the attacker is using some means to bypass security controls in order to attain a higher privilege level on the target system.
EAC Information Technology Terminology · 2024
Cite this term
Permanent URL · stable across revisions
Election Security Glossary. (2026). Escalation Of Privilege. In Election Security Glossary. Retrieved August 22, 2026, from https://electionsecurityglossary.com/glossary/escalation-of-privilege
Sources
2 cited · last checked Aug 10, 2026
01
EAC Information Technology Terminology
EAC Information Technology Terminology
High consensus
02
NIST Election Glossary
NIST Election Glossary
High consensus
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