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LinPEAS

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

Linux · Intermediate · Linux lane

IntermediatePrivilege Escalation Audit
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is LinPEAS?

LinPEAS enumerates Linux privilege-escalation candidates on a host you are allowed to assess.

Post-foothold hygiene checks on lab VMs.

Official website: LinPEAS · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Enumerate privilege escalation paths in lab Linux machines.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for LinPEAS.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • Cloud security engineers
  • DevSecOps
  • Platform / SRE security

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install LinPEAS using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
  2. Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
  3. Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
  4. Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
  5. Record what you ran, what you observed, and any follow-up (filter, report, remediation).

Help & manual (like man / --help)

Every serious tool has a built-in way to look up flags. Learn these first so you are not stuck memorizing every option.

  1. 1. Repo

    https://github.com/peass-ng/PEASS-ng

Kali Linux

Download PEASS scripts; often kept in /opt or fetched during labs. Not always preinstalled.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxDownload PEASS scripts; often kept in /opt or fetched during labs. Not always preinstalled.
OfficialSee official docs: https://github.com/peass-ng/PEASS-ng

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    ./linpeas.sh

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. 2. Show help

    ./linpeas.sh --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. 3. Short help

    ./linpeas.sh -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
--help / -hList all options

5. Useful features

  • Core workflow and interface
  • Reading and interpreting output
  • Key configuration options
  • Integrating into a professional workflow

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    ./linpeas.sh

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. Example 2: Show help

    ./linpeas.sh --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. Example 3: Short help

    ./linpeas.sh -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

7. Important notes

  • LinPEAS is used by professionals for legitimate defense, testing and research.
  • Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
  • Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.

Related course: linux fundamentals · cybersecurity fundamentals · Commands: /commands#linux