What is the purpose of the SUID permission?

The SUID (Set User ID) permission allows a user to execute a file with the privileges of the file's owner, rather than the privileges of the user who is running the file. This is particularly useful for programs that require elevated permissions to perform certain tasks, such as changing system settings or accessing restricted files. However, it also presents security risks, as malicious users could exploit SUID binaries to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Therefore, SUID should be used judiciously and monitored closely.