The simplest example of a directory traversal attack is when an application displays or allows the user to download a file via a URL parameter.
Directory traversal is a type of HTTP exploit in which a hacker uses the software on a web server to access data in a directory other than the server's root directory. If the attempt is successful, the threat actor can view restricted files or execute commands on the server.
Privilege escalation is the act of exploiting a bug, a design flaw, or a configuration oversight in an operating system or software application to gain elevated access to resources that are normally protected from an application or user.