System and method for as needed connection escalation

A connection manager for a managed network, the connection manager comprising:

• a memory including code;
• and
• a processor operable to execute the code to:
• receive a first command associated with a first privilege level on a managed system;
• select a first connection between the connection manager and a managed system in response to receiving the first command, the first connection being associated with a first privilege level;
• communicate the first command to the managed system via the first connection;
• receive a second command associated with a second privilege level on the managed system, the second privilege level being a lower privilege level than the first privilege level;
• select a second connection between the connection manager and the managed system in response to receiving the second command, the second connection being associated with the second privilege level;
• communicate the second command to the managed system via the second connection;
• and
• close the first connection in response to selecting the second connection.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium including code for performing a method, the method comprising:

• receiving a first command associated with a first privilege level on a managed system of a managed network;
• selecting a first connection between a connection manager and the managed system in response to receiving the first command, the first connection being associated with a first logged session between the connection manager and the managed system, the first logged session being at a first privilege level;
• communicating, by the connection manager, a first command to the managed system via the first connection;
• receiving a second command associated with a second privilege level on the managed system, the second privilege level being a lower privilege level than the first privilege level;
• selecting a second connection between the connection manager and the managed system in response to receiving the second command, the second connection being associated with a second logged session between the connection manager and the managed system, the second logged session being at the second privilege level;
• and
• communicating, by the connection manager, the second command to the managed system via the second connection.