Definition[]
A root compromise
| “ | is similar to an account compromise, except that the account that has been compromised has special privileges on the system.[1] | ” |
Overview[]
The term root is derived from an account on UNIX systems that typically has unlimited, or "superuser", privileges. Intruders who succeed in a root compromise can do just about anything on the victim'ssystem, including run their own programs, change how the system works, and hide traces of their intrusion."[2]