huntrule

Windows Registry: Detect DelegateExecute UAC bypass via TargetObject path

Alerts on registry set events targeting \open\command\DelegateExecute with empty Details, consistent with a UAC bypass attempt.

FreeReviewedSigma · High · v1
Product
windows
Category
registry_set
Author
frack113 (SigmaHQ), DRL 1.1
Published
2022-01-05
Updated
2026-07-30
AnalysisDetection

ATT&CK techniques

Priv Esc → Defense Evasion

  1. Recon

  2. Resource Dev

  3. Initial Access

  4. Execution

  5. Persistence

  6. Priv Esc

  7. Defense Evasion

  8. Cred Access

  9. Discovery

  10. Lateral Movement

  11. Collection

  12. C2

  13. Exfiltration

  14. Impact

What it detects

This rule flags registry set activity where the TargetObject ends with '\open\command\DelegateExecute' and the Details field is empty. Attackers can use DelegateExecute mechanisms to attempt privilege escalation by bypassing UAC using method chains that rely on registry-stored COM command execution. The detection relies on telemetry from Windows registry set events, matching the specific TargetObject path pattern and an empty Details value.

Reporting behind it

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Malicious UAC Bypass via explorer.exe NOUACCHECK Argument
Suspicious UAC Bypass via ms-settings Shell Command Hijack (via registry_set)
Windows Registry: Detect DelegateExecute UAC bypass via TargetObject path
Pivot detection · T1548.002 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.