# CWE-250: Execution with Unnecessary Privileges

**Likelihood of exploit:** Medium

> As of 2026-10-10, CWE-250 (Execution with Unnecessary Privileges) underlies 7 CVEs tracked by Threadlinqs, none of them in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, and is cited by 17 tracked threats. MITRE rates its likelihood of exploit as Medium.

**Last updated:** 2026-10-10

## What is CWE-250?

The product performs an operation at a privilege level that is higher than the minimum level required, which creates new weaknesses or amplifies the consequences of other weaknesses.

CWE-250 is a base-level weakness in MITRE’s Common Weakness Enumeration, with a MITRE likelihood of exploit of Medium. Applicable platforms: Language: Not Language-Specific; Technology: Mobile.

_Source: [MITRE CWE](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/250.html) (CWE-250 definition, reproduced verbatim). Counts and linkage below are Threadlinqs data._

## Consequences

- **Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability, Access Control** — Gain Privileges or Assume Identity, Execute Unauthorized Code or Commands, Read Application Data, DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart. An attacker will be able to gain access to any resources that are allowed by the extra privileges. Common results include executing code, disabling services, and reading restricted data. New weaknesses can be exposed because running with extra privileges, such as root or Administrator, can disable the normal security checks being performed by the operating system or surrounding environment. Other pre-existing weaknesses can turn into security vulnerabilities if they occur while operating at…

_Source: MITRE CWE, common consequences._

## How CWE-250 is exploited in the wild

Threadlinqs maps 7 CVEs to CWE-250, published between 2024-09-17 and 2026-09-23. None of them is in the CISA KEV catalog yet. By CVSS v3 severity the set splits into 1 critical, 4 high, 1 medium. The highest EPSS score in the set is 0.5% (CVE-2026-87899), the modelled probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. 17 tracked threats reference CWE-250 directly or through a CVE it covers; the most recent is “cPanel/WHM CalDAV/CardDAV and WP Toolkit Flaws Enable Cross-Account Access and Root Privilege Escalation (CVE-2026-68490, CVE-2026-87899, CVE-2026-87900)” (2026-09-23). Affected products concentrate in WebPros (2), Acronis (1), Canonical (1), among 6 vendors in total.

## Vulnerabilities (CVEs)

All 7 CVEs mapped to CWE-250, CISA KEV first, then by CVSS score.

- [CVE-2024-8767](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2024-8767) — CVSS 9.9 critical · EPSS 0.4% · published 2024-09-17
- [CVE-2026-29205](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-29205) — CVSS 8.6 high · EPSS 0.4% · published 2026-05-13
- [CVE-2026-8933](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-8933) — CVSS 7.8 high · EPSS 0.1% · published 2026-07-21
- [CVE-2026-24183](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-24183) — CVSS 7.8 high · EPSS 0.1% · published 2026-08-18
- [CVE-2024-13090](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2024-13090) — CVSS 7 high · EPSS 0.1% · published 2025-06-10
- [CVE-2026-71846](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-71846) — CVSS 6.5 medium · EPSS 0.1% · published 2026-08-12
- [CVE-2026-87899](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cve/CVE-2026-87899) — EPSS 0.5% · published 2026-09-23

## Affected vendors

- [WebPros](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/vendors/webpros) — 2 CVEs
- **Acronis** — 1 CVE
- [Canonical](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/vendors/canonical) — 1 CVE
- [NVIDIA](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/vendors/nvidia) — 1 CVE
- [Nozomi Networks](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/vendors/nozomi-networks) — 1 CVE
- [Red Hat](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/vendors/red-hat) — 1 CVE

## Threat activity

17 tracked threats cite CWE-250:

- [cPanel/WHM CalDAV/CardDAV and WP Toolkit Flaws Enable Cross-Account Access and Root Privilege Escalation (CVE-2026-68490, CVE-2026-87899, CVE-2026-87900)](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2636) — CRITICAL · 2026-09-23
- [Unauthenticated AWS API Gateway + Over-Permissioned Lambda: Credential Extraction Attack Chain](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2601) — HIGH · 2026-09-21
- [CVE-2026-87886: Actively Exploited Privilege Escalation Flaw in Acronis cPanel Backup Plugin](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2523) — HIGH · 2026-09-15
- [Multiple Vulnerabilities in Nozomi Guardian/CMC Before 25.4.0 on Siemens RUGGEDCOM APE1808 Devices (CVE-2024-13089, CVE-2024-13090, CVE-2025-3719, CVE-2025-40889, et al.)](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2487) — HIGH · 2026-09-13
- [FalconFlank Zero-Day Local Privilege Escalation in CrowdStrike Falcon Sensor via Office Macro Remediation DLL Hijacking](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2362) — HIGH · 2026-09-06
- [Adobe and Nvidia Patch Dozens of Vulnerabilities Across Multiple Products, Including Two Critical Flaws in Nvidia's NemoClaw AI Agent Stack and a CVSS 10.0 Adobe Campaign Classic Chain](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-2152) — CRITICAL · 2026-08-26
- [SilverFox APT Deploys Advanced ValleyRAT Campaign Against Japanese Manufacturer via DLL Sideloading and BYOVD](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1787) — HIGH · 2026-07-31
- [Flying Eagle Android RAT: Leaked Source Code Powers 170 Active C2 Servers, Successor "Night Dragon" Emerges](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1757) — HIGH · 2026-07-29
- [ThreatsDay Bulletin: Iran-Linked CyberAv3ngers PLC Intrusion Campaign (AA26-097A) and OctagonPanel/Ward RAT 'BH Alert' Android Spyware Targeting Bahrain](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1659) — HIGH · 2026-07-23
- [CVE-2026-8933: Race Condition in Ubuntu snap-confine Enables Local Privilege Escalation to Root](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1633) — HIGH · 2026-07-22
- [RedHook Android RAT Abuses Wireless ADB via Accessibility Service to Gain Shell-Level Device Access](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-1248) — HIGH · 2026-07-12
- [DBatLoader (ModiLoader/NatsoLoader): Delphi-Compiled Windows Loader Using Layered Anti-Analysis, Mock-Trusted-Directory UAC Bypass, and DLL Side-Loading to Deliver Remcos, FormBook, NetWire and Warzone](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-0768) — HIGH · 2026-06-10
- [VerdantBamboo (UNC5221 / WARP PANDA) BRICKSTORM Campaign — MSP Supply-Chain Compromise of Edge Appliances with 18-Month Dwell](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-0706) — CRITICAL · 2026-06-07
- [LiteSpeed User-End cPanel Plugin 0-Day CVE-2026-48172 — lsws.redisAble Local Privilege Escalation Exploited in the Wild](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-0565) — CRITICAL · 2026-05-22
- [TrickMo.C Android Banking Trojan Adopts TON Blockchain ADNL for Covert C2 Targeting Banking and Crypto Users in France, Italy, and Austria](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-0494) — HIGH · 2026-05-11
- [Handala (Void Manticore/MOIS) Abuses Microsoft Entra ID and Intune for Mass Device Wiping at Stryker Corporation](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-0268) — CRITICAL · 2026-03-22
- [Iranian APT Identity Weaponization: Void Manticore/Handala Abuses Microsoft Intune MDM for Mass Device Wiping (Stryker Attack)](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/threat/TL-2026-0237) — CRITICAL · 2026-03-16

## Mitigations

- **Architecture and Design, Operation / Environment Hardening**: Run your code using the lowest privileges that are required to accomplish the necessary tasks [REF-76]. If possible, create isolated accounts with limited privileges that are only used for a single task. That way, a successful attack will not immediately give the attacker access to the rest of the software or its environment. For example, database applications rarely need to run as the database administrator, especially in day-to-day operations.
- **Architecture and Design / Separation of Privilege**: Identify the functionality that requires additional privileges, such as access to privileged operating system resources. Wrap and centralize this functionality if possible, and isolate the privileged code as much as possible from other code [REF-76]. Raise privileges as late as possible, and drop them as soon as possible to avoid CWE-271. Avoid weaknesses such as CWE-288 and CWE-420 by protecting all possible communication channels that could interact with the privileged code, such as a secondary socket that is only intended to be accessed by administrators.
- **Architecture and Design / Attack Surface Reduction**: Identify the functionality that requires additional privileges, such as access to privileged operating system resources. Wrap and centralize this functionality if possible, and isolate the privileged code as much as possible from other code [REF-76]. Raise privileges as late as possible, and drop them as soon as possible to avoid CWE-271. Avoid weaknesses such as CWE-288 and CWE-420 by protecting all possible communication channels that could interact with the privileged code, such as a secondary socket that is only intended to be accessed by administrators.
- **Implementation**: Perform extensive input validation for any privileged code that must be exposed to the user and reject anything that does not fit your strict requirements.
- **Implementation**: When dropping privileges, ensure that they have been dropped successfully to avoid CWE-273. As protection mechanisms in the environment get stronger, privilege-dropping calls may fail even if it seems like they would always succeed.
- **Implementation**: If circumstances force you to run with extra privileges, then determine the minimum access level necessary. First identify the different permissions that the software and its users will need to perform their actions, such as file read and write permissions, network socket permissions, and so forth. Then explicitly allow those actions while denying all else [REF-76]. Perform extensive input validation and canonicalization to minimize the chances of introducing a separate vulnerability. This mitigation is much more prone to error than dropping the privileges in the first place.
- **Operation, System Configuration / Environment Hardening**: Ensure that the software runs properly under the United States Government Configuration Baseline (USGCB) [REF-199] or an equivalent hardening configuration guide, which many organizations use to limit the attack surface and potential risk of deployed software.

_Source: MITRE CWE, potential mitigations._

## Detection methods (MITRE CWE)

- **Manual Analysis**: This weakness can be detected using tools and techniques that require manual (human) analysis, such as penetration testing, threat modeling, and interactive tools that allow the tester to record and modify an active session.
- **Black Box**: Use monitoring tools that examine the software's process as it interacts with the operating system and the network. This technique is useful in cases when source code is unavailable, if the software was not developed by you, or if you want to verify that the build phase did not introduce any new weaknesses. Examples include debuggers that directly attach to the running process; system-call tracing utilities such as truss (Solaris) and strace (Linux); system activity monitors such as FileMon…
- **Automated Static Analysis - Binary or Bytecode** (effectiveness: High): According to SOAR [REF-1479], the following detection techniques may be useful: Highly cost effective: Compare binary / bytecode to application permission manifest Cost effective for partial coverage: Bytecode Weakness Analysis - including disassembler + source code weakness analysis Binary Weakness Analysis - including disassembler + source code weakness analysis
- **Manual Static Analysis - Binary or Bytecode** (effectiveness: SOAR Partial): According to SOAR [REF-1479], the following detection techniques may be useful: Cost effective for partial coverage: Binary / Bytecode disassembler - then use manual analysis for vulnerabilities & anomalies
- **Dynamic Analysis with Automated Results Interpretation** (effectiveness: SOAR Partial): According to SOAR [REF-1479], the following detection techniques may be useful: Cost effective for partial coverage: Host-based Vulnerability Scanners - Examine configuration for flaws, verifying that audit mechanisms work, ensure host configuration meets certain predefined criteria
- **Dynamic Analysis with Manual Results Interpretation** (effectiveness: SOAR Partial): According to SOAR [REF-1479], the following detection techniques may be useful: Cost effective for partial coverage: Host Application Interface Scanner
- **Manual Static Analysis - Source Code** (effectiveness: High): According to SOAR [REF-1479], the following detection techniques may be useful: Highly cost effective: Manual Source Code Review (not inspections) Cost effective for partial coverage: Focused Manual Spotcheck - Focused manual analysis of source
- **Automated Static Analysis - Source Code** (effectiveness: SOAR Partial): According to SOAR [REF-1479], the following detection techniques may be useful: Cost effective for partial coverage: Source code Weakness Analyzer Context-configured Source Code Weakness Analyzer

_Source: MITRE CWE, detection methods. Threadlinqs detection rules for the threats above are Blue tier and higher._

## Related weaknesses

- [CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management](https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cwe/CWE-269)
- [CWE-657](https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/657.html)

Canonical: https://intel.threadlinqs.com/cwe/CWE-250
Source definition: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/250.html
Detection rules and IOCs for threats exploiting CWE-250 via the Threadlinqs MCP server (Purple tier): https://intel.threadlinqs.com/mcp