Windows System User Privilege Discovery
The following analytic detects the execution of `whoami.exe` with the `/priv` parameter, which displays the privileges assigned to the current user account. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response…
Description
The following analytic detects the execution of `whoami.exe` with the `/priv` parameter, which displays the privileges assigned to the current user account. It leverages data from Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) agents, focusing on process names and command-line executions. This activity is significant as it may indicate an adversary attempting to enumerate user privileges, a common step in the reconnaissance phase of an attack. If confirmed malicious, this could lead to privilege escalation or further exploitation within the environment.
Detection logic
Detection requirements
- Platform
- LinuxmacOSNetwork DevicesWindows
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
- Administrators or power users may use this command for troubleshooting. Filter as needed.
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 |
|---|---|
| attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1033/ | 8 |
| www.cisa.gov/news-events/cybersecurity-advisories/aa23-347a | 16from 2 sources |
From the source
- At source
- Open at source
- Upstream identifier
- 8c9a06bc-9939-4425-9bb9-be2371f7fb7e
- Tagged by the source as
- CISA AA23-347AEndpointendpointSplunk 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