SLUI RunAs Elevated
The following analytic detects the execution of the Microsoft Software Licensing User Interface Tool (`slui.exe`) with elevated privileges using the `-verb runas` function. This activity is identified through logs…
Description
The following analytic detects the execution of the Microsoft Software Licensing User Interface Tool (`slui.exe`) with elevated privileges using the `-verb runas` function. This activity is identified through logs from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on specific registry keys and command-line parameters. This behavior is significant as it indicates a potential privilege escalation attempt, which could allow an attacker to gain elevated access and execute malicious actions with higher privileges. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to unauthorized system changes, data exfiltration, or further compromise of the affected endpoint.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- Windows
The rule states no platform. This is derived from the ATT&CK technique it maps to.
- Log source category
- crowdstrike_processrollup2sysmon_eventid_1windows_event_log_security_4688
Known benign triggers
- Limited false positives should be present as this is not commonly used by legitimate applications.
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 |
|---|---|
| gist.github.com/r00t-3xp10it/0c92cd554d3156fd74f6c25660ccc466 | Only this detection cites it |
| mattharr0ey.medium.com/privilege-escalation-uac-bypass-in-changepk-c40b92818d1b | 2from 2 sources |
| www.exploit-db.com/exploits/46998 | 2 |
| www.mandiant.com/resources/shining-a-light-on-darkside-ransomware-operations | 6 |
| www.rapid7.com/db/modules/exploit/windows/local/bypassuac_sluihijack/ | 2 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 8d124810-b3e4-11eb-96c7-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- Compromised Windows HostDarkSide RansomwareWindows Defense Evasion TacticsEndpointendpointSplunk CloudSplunk EnterpriseSplunk Enterprise Securityendpoint
Licence
- Published under
- Apache License 2.0Read the licence
- Attribution
- Required
- Obtained under
- Apache-2.0Read the origin licence
Authorship
- Written by
- Published
- Aug 26, 2026
- Version
- 1