ImpersonateSelf function (securitybaseapi.h)

The ImpersonateSelf function obtains an access token that impersonates the security context of the calling process. The token is assigned to the calling thread.

BOOL ImpersonateSelf(
  [in] SECURITY_IMPERSONATION_LEVEL ImpersonationLevel
);

[in] ImpersonationLevel

Specifies a SECURITY_IMPERSONATION_LEVEL enumerated type that supplies the impersonation level of the new token.

If the function succeeds, the return value is nonzero.

If the function fails, the return value is zero. To get extended error information, call GetLastError.

The ImpersonateSelf function is used for tasks such as enabling a privilege for a single thread rather than for the entire process or for changing the default discretionary access control list (DACL) for a single thread.

The server can call the RevertToSelf function when the impersonation is complete.

For this function to succeed, the DACL protecting the process token must grant the TOKEN_DUPLICATE right to itself.

Client/Server Access Control Functions

Client/Server Access Control Overview

DuplicateToken

ImpersonateNamedPipeClient

RevertToSelf

SECURITY_IMPERSONATION_LEVEL