CWE-434
AllowedUnrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type
Abstraction: Base · Status: Draft
The product allows the upload or transfer of dangerous file types that are automatically processed within its environment.
6009 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-93XQ-G83C-52RF
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-13 01:04 – Updated: 2024-03-21 03:33** DISPUTED ** An issue was discovered in Reprise License Manager (RLM) through 12.2BL2. Attackers can use the web interface to read and write data to any file on disk (as long as rlm.exe has access to it) via /goform/edit_lf_process with file content in the lfdata parameter and a pathname in the lf parameter. By default, the web interface is on port 5054, and does not require authentication. NOTE: the vendor has stated "We do not consider this a vulnerability."
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2018-15573"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2018-08-20T02:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "** DISPUTED ** An issue was discovered in Reprise License Manager (RLM) through 12.2BL2. Attackers can use the web interface to read and write data to any file on disk (as long as rlm.exe has access to it) via /goform/edit_lf_process with file content in the lfdata parameter and a pathname in the lf parameter. By default, the web interface is on port 5054, and does not require authentication. NOTE: the vendor has stated \"We do not consider this a vulnerability.\"",
"id": "GHSA-93xq-g83c-52rf",
"modified": "2024-03-21T03:33:31Z",
"published": "2022-05-13T01:04:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-15573"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://bittherapy.net/rce-with-arbitrary-file-write-and-xss-in-reprise-license-manager"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "http://seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2021/Dec/18"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-9423-2J6F-86J6
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-17 00:19 – Updated: 2022-05-17 00:19InvoicePlane version 1.4.10 is vulnerable to a Arbitrary File Upload resulting in an authenticated user can upload a malicious file to the webserver. It is possible for an attacker to upload a script which is able to compromise the webserver.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2017-1000238"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2017-11-17T03:29:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "InvoicePlane version 1.4.10 is vulnerable to a Arbitrary File Upload resulting in an authenticated user can upload a malicious file to the webserver. It is possible for an attacker to upload a script which is able to compromise the webserver.",
"id": "GHSA-9423-2j6f-86j6",
"modified": "2022-05-17T00:19:35Z",
"published": "2022-05-17T00:19:35Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2017-1000238"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.sec-consult.com/fxdata/seccons/prod/temedia/advisories_txt/20170523-0_InvoicePlane_Upload_arbitrary_files_stored_XSS_v10.txt"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-943M-X5XX-45QH
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-07-19 12:30 – Updated: 2025-07-19 12:30The WPshop 2 – E-Commerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the ajaxUpload function in versions before 1.3.9.6. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files on the affected sites server which may make remote code execution possible.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2015-10135"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-07-19T10:15:23Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "The WPshop 2 \u2013 E-Commerce plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to arbitrary file uploads due to missing file type validation in the ajaxUpload function in versions before 1.3.9.6. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to upload arbitrary files on the affected sites server which may make remote code execution possible.",
"id": "GHSA-943m-x5xx-45qh",
"modified": "2025-07-19T12:30:33Z",
"published": "2025-07-19T12:30:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2015-10135"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://g0blin.co.uk/g0blin-00036"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/espreto/wpsploit/blob/master/modules/exploits/unix/webapp/wp_wpshop_ecommerce_file_upload.rb"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/1103406"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://wordpress.org/plugins/wpshop/#developers"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/32e8224d-a653-48d7-a3f4-338fc0c1dc77?source=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-9446-84WG-9CW7
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-02-14 06:31 – Updated: 2023-02-21 21:30SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform (CMC) - versions 420, 430, allows an authenticated admin user to upload malicious code that can be executed by the application over the network. On successful exploitation, attacker can perform operations that may completely compromise the application causing high impact on confidentiality, integrity and availability of the application.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-24530"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-02-14T04:15:00Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "SAP BusinessObjects Business Intelligence Platform (CMC) - versions 420, 430, allows an authenticated admin user to upload malicious code that can be executed by the application over the network. On successful exploitation, attacker can perform operations that may completely compromise the application causing high impact on confidentiality, integrity and availability of the application.",
"id": "GHSA-9446-84wg-9cw7",
"modified": "2023-02-21T21:30:18Z",
"published": "2023-02-14T06:31:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-24530"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://launchpad.support.sap.com/#/notes/3256787"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.sap.com/documents/2022/02/fa865ea4-167e-0010-bca6-c68f7e60039b.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-945M-RW7V-2H8V
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-08-03 18:30 – Updated: 2024-07-16 18:31An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the /languages/install.php component of WBCE CMS v1.6.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PHP file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-38947"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434",
"CWE-616"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-08-03T16:15:12Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the /languages/install.php component of WBCE CMS v1.6.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted PHP file.",
"id": "GHSA-945m-rw7v-2h8v",
"modified": "2024-07-16T18:31:41Z",
"published": "2023-08-03T18:30:35Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-38947"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://gitee.com/CTF-hacker/pwn/issues/I7LH2N"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/capture0x/WBCE_CMS"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/176018/WBCE-CMS-1.6.1-Shell-Upload.html"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-949J-R9X2-W58X
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-01-19 15:30 – Updated: 2025-06-02 15:31An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in Xpand IT Write-back Manager v2.3.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted jsp file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-27168"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-01-19T14:15:12Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "An arbitrary file upload vulnerability in Xpand IT Write-back Manager v2.3.1 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted jsp file.",
"id": "GHSA-949j-r9x2-w58x",
"modified": "2025-06-02T15:31:17Z",
"published": "2024-01-19T15:30:19Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-27168"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://balwurk.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://balwurk.github.io/CVE-2023-27168"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://writeback4t.com"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.xpand-it.com"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-94F7-W8J3-PPQR
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-30 00:32 – Updated: 2026-04-28 21:35Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in RomanCode MapSVG allows Upload a Web Shell to a Web Server.This issue affects MapSVG: from n/a through 8.7.3.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-68562"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-29T22:15:43Z",
"severity": "CRITICAL"
},
"details": "Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type vulnerability in RomanCode MapSVG allows Upload a Web Shell to a Web Server.This issue affects MapSVG: from n/a through 8.7.3.",
"id": "GHSA-94f7-w8j3-ppqr",
"modified": "2026-04-28T21:35:51Z",
"published": "2025-12-30T00:32:58Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-68562"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/mapsvg-lite-interactive-vector-maps/vulnerability/wordpress-mapsvg-plugin-8-7-3-arbitrary-file-upload-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vdp.patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/mapsvg-lite-interactive-vector-maps/vulnerability/wordpress-mapsvg-plugin-8-7-3-arbitrary-file-upload-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-94G8-XV23-7656
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-09-04 15:55 – Updated: 2025-09-04 15:55Description
When the Vaadin Upload's start listener is used to validate metadata about an incoming upload, it is possible to bypass the upload validation. Users of affected versions should apply the upgrade to a more recent Vaadin version.
{
"affected": [
{
"database_specific": {
"last_known_affected_version_range": "\u003c= 14.13.0"
},
"package": {
"ecosystem": "Maven",
"name": "com.vaadin:vaadin-upload-flow"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "2.0.0"
},
{
"fixed": "14.13.1"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
},
{
"database_specific": {
"last_known_affected_version_range": "\u003c= 23.6.1"
},
"package": {
"ecosystem": "Maven",
"name": "com.vaadin:vaadin-upload-flow"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "23.0.0"
},
{
"fixed": "23.6.2"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
},
{
"database_specific": {
"last_known_affected_version_range": "\u003c= 24.7.6"
},
"package": {
"ecosystem": "Maven",
"name": "com.vaadin:vaadin-upload-flow"
},
"ranges": [
{
"events": [
{
"introduced": "24.0.0"
},
{
"fixed": "24.7.7"
}
],
"type": "ECOSYSTEM"
}
]
}
],
"aliases": [],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-20",
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": true,
"github_reviewed_at": "2025-09-04T15:55:04Z",
"nvd_published_at": null,
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "### Description\nWhen the Vaadin Upload\u0027s start listener is used to validate metadata about an incoming upload, it is possible to bypass the upload validation. Users of affected versions should apply the upgrade to a more recent Vaadin version.",
"id": "GHSA-94g8-xv23-7656",
"modified": "2025-09-04T15:55:04Z",
"published": "2025-09-04T15:55:04Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/vaadin/flow-components/security/advisories/GHSA-94g8-xv23-7656"
},
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-9467"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/vaadin/flow-components/pull/7616"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/vaadin/flow-components/commit/bfe9e507cdcc5d90a2312c8f0162f798a29ba635"
},
{
"type": "PACKAGE",
"url": "https://github.com/vaadin/flow-components"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://vaadin.com/security/cve-2025-9467"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:N/VI:L/VA:L/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/S:N/AU:N/R:U/V:D/RE:L/U:Green",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
],
"summary": "Vaadin Flow Components possible file bypass via upload validation on the server-side"
}
GHSA-94HP-F48V-QHX5
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-10-05 12:31 – Updated: 2024-10-05 12:31The Hash Form – Drag & Drop Form Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to limited file uploads due to a misconfigured file type validation in the 'handleUpload' function in all versions up to, and including, 1.1.9. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to upload files that are excluded from both the 'allowedExtensions' and 'unallowed_extensions' arrays on the affected site's server, including files that may contain cross-site scripting.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-9417"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-10-05T10:15:02Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The Hash Form \u2013 Drag \u0026 Drop Form Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to limited file uploads due to a misconfigured file type validation in the \u0027handleUpload\u0027 function in all versions up to, and including, 1.1.9. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to upload files that are excluded from both the \u0027allowedExtensions\u0027 and \u0027unallowed_extensions\u0027 arrays on the affected site\u0027s server, including files that may contain cross-site scripting.",
"id": "GHSA-94hp-f48v-qhx5",
"modified": "2024-10-05T12:31:33Z",
"published": "2024-10-05T12:31:32Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-9417"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/hash-form/trunk/admin/classes/HashFormUploader.php#L107"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/hash-form/trunk/admin/classes/HashFormUploader.php#L135"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3161828"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/cad7731a-1f81-4055-9b49-15b35edd3fcf?source=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-94M2-FM5H-CQ8V
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-11 00:30 – Updated: 2025-12-19 18:31Dotclear 2.29 contains a remote code execution vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers to upload malicious PHP files through the media upload functionality. Attackers can exploit the file upload process by crafting a PHP shell with a command execution form to gain system access through the uploaded file.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-58281"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-434"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-10T22:16:19Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "Dotclear 2.29 contains a remote code execution vulnerability that allows authenticated attackers to upload malicious PHP files through the media upload functionality. Attackers can exploit the file upload process by crafting a PHP shell with a command execution form to gain system access through the uploaded file.",
"id": "GHSA-94m2-fm5h-cq8v",
"modified": "2025-12-19T18:31:11Z",
"published": "2025-12-11T00:30:33Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-58281"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://git.dotclear.org/explore/repos"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/dotclear/dotclear/archive/refs/heads/master.zip"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/52037"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.vulncheck.com/advisories/dotclear-remote-code-execution-via-authenticated-file-upload"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
},
{
"score": "CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:X/CR:X/IR:X/AR:X/MAV:X/MAC:X/MAT:X/MPR:X/MUI:X/MVC:X/MVI:X/MVA:X/MSC:X/MSI:X/MSA:X/S:X/AU:X/R:X/V:X/RE:X/U:X",
"type": "CVSS_V4"
}
]
}
Mitigation
Generate a new, unique filename for an uploaded file instead of using the user-supplied filename, so that no external input is used at all.[REF-422] [REF-423]
Mitigation MIT-21
Strategy: Enforcement by Conversion
When the set of acceptable objects, such as filenames or URLs, is limited or known, create a mapping from a set of fixed input values (such as numeric IDs) to the actual filenames or URLs, and reject all other inputs.
Mitigation
Consider storing the uploaded files outside of the web document root entirely. Then, use other mechanisms to deliver the files dynamically. [REF-423]
Mitigation MIT-5
Strategy: Input Validation
- Assume all input is malicious. Use an "accept known good" input validation strategy, i.e., use a list of acceptable inputs that strictly conform to specifications. Reject any input that does not strictly conform to specifications, or transform it into something that does.
- When performing input validation, consider all potentially relevant properties, including length, type of input, the full range of acceptable values, missing or extra inputs, syntax, consistency across related fields, and conformance to business rules. As an example of business rule logic, "boat" may be syntactically valid because it only contains alphanumeric characters, but it is not valid if the input is only expected to contain colors such as "red" or "blue."
- Do not rely exclusively on looking for malicious or malformed inputs. This is likely to miss at least one undesirable input, especially if the code's environment changes. This can give attackers enough room to bypass the intended validation. However, denylists can be useful for detecting potential attacks or determining which inputs are so malformed that they should be rejected outright.
- For example, limiting filenames to alphanumeric characters can help to restrict the introduction of unintended file extensions.
Mitigation
Define a very limited set of allowable extensions and only generate filenames that end in these extensions. Consider the possibility of XSS (CWE-79) before allowing .html or .htm file types.
Mitigation
Strategy: Input Validation
Ensure that only one extension is used in the filename. Some web servers, including some versions of Apache, may process files based on inner extensions so that "filename.php.gif" is fed to the PHP interpreter.[REF-422] [REF-423]
Mitigation
When running on a web server that supports case-insensitive filenames, perform case-insensitive evaluations of the extensions that are provided.
Mitigation MIT-15
For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
Mitigation
Do not rely exclusively on sanity checks of file contents to ensure that the file is of the expected type and size. It may be possible for an attacker to hide code in some file segments that will still be executed by the server. For example, GIF images may contain a free-form comments field.
Mitigation
Do not rely exclusively on the MIME content type or filename attribute when determining how to render a file. Validating the MIME content type and ensuring that it matches the extension is only a partial solution.
Mitigation MIT-17
Strategy: 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.
Mitigation MIT-22
Strategy: Sandbox or Jail
- Run the code in a "jail" or similar sandbox environment that enforces strict boundaries between the process and the operating system. This may effectively restrict which files can be accessed in a particular directory or which commands can be executed by the software.
- OS-level examples include the Unix chroot jail, AppArmor, and SELinux. In general, managed code may provide some protection. For example, java.io.FilePermission in the Java SecurityManager allows the software to specify restrictions on file operations.
- This may not be a feasible solution, and it only limits the impact to the operating system; the rest of the application may still be subject to compromise.
- Be careful to avoid CWE-243 and other weaknesses related to jails.
CAPEC-1: Accessing Functionality Not Properly Constrained by ACLs
In applications, particularly web applications, access to functionality is mitigated by an authorization framework. This framework maps Access Control Lists (ACLs) to elements of the application's functionality; particularly URL's for web apps. In the case that the administrator failed to specify an ACL for a particular element, an attacker may be able to access it with impunity. An attacker with the ability to access functionality not properly constrained by ACLs can obtain sensitive information and possibly compromise the entire application. Such an attacker can access resources that must be available only to users at a higher privilege level, can access management sections of the application, or can run queries for data that they otherwise not supposed to.