PUA - Kernel Driver Utility (KDU) Execution
Detects execution of the Kernel Driver Utility (KDU) tool. KDU can be used to bypass driver signature enforcement and load unsigned or malicious drivers into the Windows kernel. Potentially allowing for privilege…
Description
Detects execution of the Kernel Driver Utility (KDU) tool. KDU can be used to bypass driver signature enforcement and load unsigned or malicious drivers into the Windows kernel. Potentially allowing for privilege escalation, persistence, or evasion of security controls.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source product
- windows
- Log source category
- process_creation
Known benign triggers
- Legitimate driver development, testing, or administrative troubleshooting (e.g., enabling/disabling hardware)
MITRE ATT&CK mappings
0 exclusive techniques.This is coverage no other published rule has; it is not this rule's total technique count.
References
| Reference | Cited by |
|---|---|
| github.com/h4rmy/KDU | Only this detection cites it |
| huntress.com/blog/esxi-vm-escape-exploit | 2 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- e76ca062-4de0-4d79-8d90-160a0d335eca
- Tagged by the source as
- attack.persistenceattack.privilege-escalation
Licence
- Published under
- Detection Rule License 1.1Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
Authorship
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1