> 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/user-groups/proxy-group-linux-privilege-escalation.md).

# proxy Group Abuse - Linux Privilege Escalation

User Group (proxy) notes for Linux privilege escalation, with enumeration steps, exploitation examples, and reporting-focused validation.

## What It Is

Dangerous local group memberships can expose privileged resources without requiring a kernel exploit. Groups such as docker, lxd, adm, or proxy may grant host control, sensitive log access, or configuration paths useful for lateral movement and root escalation. This specific page focuses on **User Group (proxy)** 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
id
groups
```

## Examples

Abuse of Proxy and Hostnames

By auditing the user's groups, we see that we belong to the proxy group. We are looking for related files:

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-37a2038e1cc03821c33b8bad7047248975616a73%2Fimage%20(61).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

When examining the Squid logs (`/var/log/squid/access.log.1`), we look for proxy-related entries and group-owned files:

```bash
find / -group proxy 2>/dev/null
```

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-16511c1b13df60f898fc174a952d3903e139c904%2Fimage%20(62).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

We discover an internal subdomain: `offramp.expressway.htb`.

```bash
cat /var/log/squid/access.log.1 | grep httpp
```

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-885697856aa4cbfb2ba1d51b6232c3ec79d23f01%2Fimage%20(63).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

By checking sudo policies for this specific area, we discover that we have total permissions:

```bash
sudo -h offramp.expressway.htb -l
```

Outcome: We can execute any command as root in this host context.

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-ac36e711a21e15d759981eabceaa05dc1fcc5d98%2Fimage%20(66).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Final execution for Root:**

```bash
sudo -h offramp.expressway.htb /bin/bash
```

<figure><img src="https://131707722-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fl4EVJpcOrsgjSGsLI7p2%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-fe0911939434847c8e6cfbdc5a5f49b6157fa4bb%2Fimage%20(67).png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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