> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://pnpt.adot8.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://pnpt.adot8.com/linux-privilege-escalation/initial-enumeration/system-enumeration.md).

# System Enumeration

## Get kernel version

<pre><code><strong>uname -a
</strong></code></pre>

```
cat /proc/version
cat /etc/issue
```

{% hint style="info" %}
It can be useful to know the hostname in CTF situations as it can relate to the required exploit to escalate privileges
{% endhint %}

## View the architecture

```
lscpu
```

{% hint style="info" %}
Some exploits may require multiple threads or cores, if the machine doesn't have the required amount then the exploit won't work
{% endhint %}

## View processes

```
ps aux
ps aux | grep root
```

{% hint style="info" %}
They will be in the order that they were issued
{% endhint %}