Windows InstallUtil Uninstall Option
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…
Description
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.
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. Filter as needed by parent process or application.
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 |
|---|---|
| evi1cg.me/archives/AppLocker_Bypass_Techniques.html#menu_index_12 | Only this detection cites it |
| github.com/api0cradle/UltimateAppLockerByPassList/blob/master/md/Installutil.exe.md | Only this detection cites it |
| github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/388942adbd9641f4dfdcf079d7efe9a75ec0ac43/atomics/T1218.004/T1218.004.yaml#L265 | 2 |
| github.com/redcanaryco/atomic-red-team/blob/master/atomics/T1218.004/T1218.004.md | 5 |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- cfa7b9ac-43f0-11ec-9b48-acde48001122
- Tagged by the source as
- Compromised Windows HostLiving Off The LandSigned Binary Proxy Execution InstallUtilEndpointendpointSplunk 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
- Oct 13, 2026
- Version
- 2