> 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/python-library-hijacking/python-library-hijacking-hashlib-linux-privilege-escalation.md).

# Python Library Hijacking (hashlib) - Linux Privilege Escalation

Python Library Hijacking (hashlib) notes for Linux privilege escalation, with enumeration steps, exploitation examples, and reporting-focused validation.

## What It Is

Python library hijacking abuses Python import resolution when a privileged script imports modules from a writable location. By placing a malicious module earlier in the import path, the attacker can execute code as the privileged user. This specific page focuses on **Python Library Hijacking (hashlib)** and keeps the exploitation flow practical: identify the condition, validate it safely, then run the smallest payload needed to prove impact.

## Enumeration

Start by confirming the local context and the exact misconfiguration before running the exploit path.

```bash
python3 -c "import sys; print('/n'.join(sys.path))"
find / -name '*.py' -writable 2>/dev/null
```

## Examples

As **user jordan**, we see what the sudoers privileges are, we try to run the **Python script** as jordanmacia and it works correctly:

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8811cb4cc3ac43e54659bb8b1b968d3abdc5a107%2FPasted%20image%2020231123232109.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In this case, we have **reading permissions but no writing**. We observe that it imports the **variable hashlib**. If we make a **locate** with the name of the variable, we will see where it is **stored**. Finally, we observe that in the **PATH of Python**, the first is empty and this is a vulnerability:

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-fe8ee3d97fda77a8cccf9372bf38b74b07447ce8%2FPasted%20image%2020231123233030.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In the same /tmp directory, we create the **hashlib.py** file with the following content. This script, when we run the script **example.py** in general, Python starts searching for these libraries in the current working directory, then in the paths defined in the **variable sys.path**.

```python
import os 
os.system("bash)
```

Finally, by running the **example.py**, it will give us access to Bash as a jordanmacia user (we will have **migrated to a user** with probably more privileges):

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-07a7095f2cae3107125046188f00601336bbb245%2FPasted%20image%2020231123233815.png?alt=media" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/privesc/python-library-hijacking/python-library-hijacking-hashlib-linux-privilege-escalation.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
