How do user permissions influence the impact of malware?

User permissions are critical in determining the extent of actions that malware can take once it infiltrates a system. When malware is executed, it operates within the confines of the permissions of the user who launched it. If a standard user with limited permissions runs the malware, its ability to access files, alter system settings, or propagate itself across a network is significantly restricted.

Conversely, if the malware is executed by an administrator or a user with elevated privileges, it can exploit those higher permissions to perform more damaging actions, such as deleting system files, stealing sensitive data, or compromising other accounts. This demonstrates that the malware indeed inherits the permissions from the user, meaning its capability to cause harm is heavily influenced by the access rights of the user account under which it runs.

Understanding this relationship emphasizes the importance of managing user permissions carefully to mitigate the risks posed by potential malware attacks.