Adversaries may use InstallUtil to proxy execution of code through a trusted Windows utility. InstallUtil is a command-line utility that allows for installation and uninstallation of resources by executing specific installer components specified in .NET binaries. (Citation: MSDN InstallUtil) InstallUtil is digitally signed by Microsoft and located in the .NET directories on a Windows system: <code>C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v<version>\InstallUtil.exe</code> and <code>C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v<version>\InstallUtil.exe</code>.
InstallUtil may also be used to bypass application control through use of attributes within the binary that execute the class decorated with the attribute <code>[System.ComponentModel.RunInstaller(true)]</code>. (Citation: LOLBAS Installutil)
View in MITRE ATT&CK®| Capability ID | Capability Description | Mapping Type | ATT&CK ID | ATT&CK Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CM-2 | Baseline Configuration | Protects | T1218.004 | InstallUtil |
| CM-6 | Configuration Settings | Protects | T1218.004 | InstallUtil |
| CM-7 | Least Functionality | Protects | T1218.004 | InstallUtil |
| CM-8 | System Component Inventory | Protects | T1218.004 | InstallUtil |
| RA-5 | Vulnerability Monitoring and Scanning | Protects | T1218.004 | InstallUtil |
| SI-10 | Information Input Validation | Protects | T1218.004 | InstallUtil |
| SI-4 | System Monitoring | Protects | T1218.004 | InstallUtil |
| SI-7 | Software, Firmware, and Information Integrity | Protects | T1218.004 | InstallUtil |
| action.hacking.variety.Abuse of functionality | Abuse of functionality | related-to | T1218.004 | Signed Binary Proxy Execution: InstallUtil |