Which type of attack involves a user gaining elevated privileges through exploiting system vulnerabilities?

The type of attack described is referred to as "elevation of privilege." This occurs when an attacker exploits vulnerabilities in a system to gain higher access rights or permissions than originally granted. For example, if a user with basic access is able to exploit a vulnerability in the system, they might gain administrative privileges that allow them to modify system configurations, access sensitive data, or even control other systems.

This type of attack is particularly dangerous because it can lead to significant security breaches, data leaks, or system compromises. In the context of risk management, understanding this concept is critical, as it emphasizes the importance of securing systems against unauthorized privilege escalations. Organizations need to implement effective controls, such as regular patching and thorough access control mechanisms, to mitigate the risk of such attacks.