Windows InstallUtil Uninstall Option with Network: endpointEndpoint2025-06-26version:13
The following analytic identifies the use of Windows InstallUtil.exe making a remote network connection using the `/u` (uninstall) switch. This detection leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) telemetry, focusing on process and network activity data. This behavior is significant as it may indicate an attempt to download and execute code while bypassing application control mechanisms. If confirmed malicious, this activity could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within the network.
Windows InstallUtil URL in Command Line: endpointEndpointNoneversion:15
The following analytic detects the use of Windows InstallUtil.exe with an HTTP or HTTPS URL in the command line. This is identified through Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) telemetry, focusing on command-line executions containing URLs. This activity is significant as it may indicate an attempt to download and execute malicious code, potentially bypassing application control mechanisms. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized code execution, privilege escalation, or persistent access within the environment. Analysts should review the parent process, network connections, file modifications, and related processes for further investigation.
Windows InstallUtil Remote Network Connection: endpointEndpointNoneversion:19
The following analytic detects the Windows InstallUtil.exe binary making a remote network connection. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process and network telemetry. This activity is significant because InstallUtil.exe can be exploited to download and execute malicious code, bypassing application control mechanisms. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could achieve code execution, potentially leading to further system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network. Analysts should review the parent process, network connections, and any associated file modifications to determine the legitimacy of this activity.
Windows InstallUtil Credential Theft: endpointEndpointNoneversion:13
The following analytic detects instances where the Windows InstallUtil.exe binary loads `vaultcli.dll` and `Samlib.dll`. This detection leverages Sysmon EventCode 7 to identify these specific DLL loads. This activity is significant because it can indicate an attempt to execute code that bypasses application control and captures credentials using tools like Mimikatz. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow an attacker to steal credentials, potentially leading to unauthorized access and further compromise of the system.
Windows InstallUtil Uninstall Option: endpointEndpointNoneversion:14
The following analytic detects the use of the Windows InstallUtil.exe binary with the `/u` (uninstall) switch, which can execute code while bypassing application control. This detection leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names, parent processes, and command-line executions. This activity is significant because it can indicate an attempt to execute malicious code without administrative privileges. If confirmed malicious, an attacker could achieve code execution, potentially leading to further system compromise or persistence within the environment.
Windows InstallUtil in Non Standard Path: endpointEndpointNoneversion:12
The following analytic detects the execution of InstallUtil.exe from non-standard paths. It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) data, focusing on process names and original file names outside typical directories. This activity is significant because InstallUtil.exe is often used by attackers to execute malicious code or scripts. If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow an attacker to bypass security controls, execute arbitrary code, and potentially gain unauthorized access or persist within the environment.
Windows DotNet Binary in Non Standard Path: endpointEndpointNoneversion:14
The following analytic detects the execution of native .NET binaries from non-standard directories within the Windows operating system.
It leverages Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) telemetry, comparing process names and original file names against a predefined lookup "is_net_windows_file".
This activity is significant because adversaries may move .NET binaries to unconventional paths to evade detection and execute malicious code.
If confirmed malicious, this behavior could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or maintain persistence within the environment, posing a significant security risk.
Also this analytic leverages a sub-search to enhance performance. sub-searches have limitations on the amount of data they can return. Keep this in mind if you have an extensive list of ransomware note file names.
