Loopus

Pro Content

This lesson requires Loopus Pro access. Upgrade to unlock all courses, labs, and challenges.

Privilege EscalationLinux Privilege Escalation

Cron Job Exploitation

25 min
lab
+60 XP

Learning Objectives

  • Master Cron Job Exploitation on Linux systems
  • Identify Linux privilege escalation vectors
  • Exploit Linux misconfigurations

Cron Job Exploitation

Linux privilege escalation exploits misconfigurations in permissions, services, and kernel. This lesson covers cron job exploitation.

Understanding the Topic

SUID/SGID bits forms the foundation of this topic. In real-world scenarios, attackers leverage this knowledge to identify weaknesses that defenders often overlook. Understanding how cron job exploitation works at a fundamental level is essential before attempting any practical exercises.

Building on that foundation, sudo configuration becomes critically important. Security professionals encounter this daily, and recognizing the patterns helps you work more efficiently during assessments.

Cron jobs represents another key consideration. Many beginners overlook this aspect, but experienced practitioners know it can make the difference between success and failure in real engagements.

Finally, kernel exploits provides the practical context. Knowing when and how to apply these techniques separates theoretical knowledge from actionable skills.

Tools and Environment

For cron job exploitation, professionals rely on LinPEAS, linEnum, GTFOBins reference, pspy. The sandbox terminal on the right provides access to these tools. Familiarize yourself with their basic usage, then answer the questions below to complete this lesson.

Answer the Questions0 / 4 completed

📚 KnowledgeQuestion 1

How do cron jobs enable privesc?

Format: ****(4 chars)
Exact match required
⌨️ Hands-OnQuestion 2

What file lists system-wide cron jobs?

Format: ************(12 chars)
Exact match required
📚 KnowledgeQuestion 3

What about PATH manipulation?

Format: ****(4 chars)
Exact match required
⌨️ Hands-OnQuestion 4

What is the primary risk of writable cron scripts?

Format: *********(9 chars)
Exact match required
Answer all questions correctly to unlock the next lesson

Interactive Sandbox

Loading sandbox...

Submit Flag

Found the flag? Submit it below to complete this lesson.
Format: LOOPUS{...}

Previous
Answer all questions to continue