Typically, what permissions do processes run with?

Processes typically run with permissions equivalent to the user that initiated them. This means that when a user starts a process, that process inherits the user's permissions, which include access rights to files, directories, and system resources. This design is part of a security model that helps to enforce user accountability and limits the potential damage that malicious processes can cause, as each process operates within the constraints set by the user's permissions.

When a process runs under the user's context, it cannot exceed what the user is allowed to do, enhancing the overall security of the operating system. For example, if a standard user account has limited access to certain files or system settings, any processes that run under that account will also be limited in what they can access or modify.

This mechanism is crucial for maintaining security boundaries within a multi-user operating system environment, as it helps to ensure that users cannot inadvertently or deliberately compromise the system integrity by executing arbitrary code with excessive permissions.