InstallUtil.exe

  • File Path: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\InstallUtil.exe
  • Description: .NET Framework installation utility
  • Comments: Flavor=Retail

Hashes

Type Hash
MD5 909A1D386235DD5F6BA61B91BA34119D
SHA1 CEE32DD2FCA33AD540350FC83E651ADFEBAE9C37
SHA256 D0F224023900420D0E541360144BFBFB03CBB936391CE6D3E98590DDCA51BC6A
SHA384 8F2E4CE8708F3EA81657E255F4FAA09D10B994D4665BA651599001C5A1C1F9DFADE57C5DF02085895AD75D8C0BBE1731
SHA512 4F3167F627C54F90A7CC703FD5B010989F94E0567C744EC493D973E6687C8925BA563235D98BB527EAA0454303934C33D5EC0021F3586E0EF0AD3E56EAFC3942
SSDEEP 384:8tpFVymMsihB9VKS7xdgB6KJ9Yl6dnPU3SERztmbqCJstdMardz/JikPZ+RPZT3/:85Ms2SqdyZ6Iq8BLfX2qWf8Bn
PESHA1 305081E36C14BD3501158E354F15AE31081FA2E1
PE256 C3C4A0BB9835ABDC5D3B01FA47D16C930BFD00EB8684DA55BD1CF8FAE7D5847E

Runtime Data

Usage (stdout):

Microsoft (R) .NET Framework Installation utility Version 4.8.4084.0
Copyright (C) Microsoft Corporation.  All rights reserved.

Usage: InstallUtil [/u | /uninstall] [option [...]] assembly [[option [...]] assembly] [...]]

InstallUtil executes the installers in each given assembly.
If the /u or /uninstall switch is specified, it uninstalls
the assemblies, otherwise it installs them. Unlike other
options, /u applies to all assemblies, regardless of where it
appears on the command line.

Installation is done in a transactioned way: If one of the
assemblies fails to install, the installations of all other
assemblies are rolled back. Uninstall is not transactioned.

Options take the form /switch=[value]. Any option that occurs
before the name of an assembly will apply to that assembly's
installation. Options are cumulative but overridable - options
specified for one assembly will apply to the next as well unless
the option is specified with a new value. The default for all
options is empty or false unless otherwise specified.

Options recognized:

Options for installing any assembly:
/AssemblyName
 The assembly parameter will be interpreted as an assembly name (Name,
 Locale, PublicKeyToken, Version). The default is to interpret the
 assembly parameter as the filename of the assembly on disk.

/LogFile=[filename]
 File to write progress to. If empty, do not write log. Default
 is <assemblyname>.InstallLog

/LogToConsole={true|false}
 If false, suppresses output to the console.

/ShowCallStack
 If an exception occurs at any point during installation, the call
 stack will be printed to the log.

/InstallStateDir=[directoryname]
 Directory in which the .InstallState file will be stored. Default
 is the directory of the assembly.


Individual installers used within an assembly may recognize other
options. To learn about these options, run InstallUtil with the paths
of the assemblies on the command line along with the /? or /help option.

Loaded Modules:

Path
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\InstallUtil.exe
C:\Windows\System32\KERNEL32.dll
C:\Windows\System32\KERNELBASE.dll
C:\Windows\SYSTEM32\MSCOREE.DLL
C:\Windows\SYSTEM32\ntdll.dll

Signature

  • Status: Signature verified.
  • Serial: 330000023241FB59996DCC4DFF000000000232
  • Thumbprint: FF82BC38E1DA5E596DF374C53E3617F7EDA36B06
  • Issuer: CN=Microsoft Windows Production PCA 2011, O=Microsoft Corporation, L=Redmond, S=Washington, C=US
  • Subject: CN=Microsoft Windows, O=Microsoft Corporation, L=Redmond, S=Washington, C=US

File Metadata

  • Original Filename: InstallUtil.exe
  • Product Name: Microsoft .NET Framework
  • Company Name: Microsoft Corporation
  • File Version: 4.8.4084.0 built by: NET48REL1
  • Product Version: 4.8.4084.0
  • Language: English (United States)
  • Legal Copyright: Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
  • Machine Type: 64-bit

File Scan

  • VirusTotal Detections: 0/75
  • VirusTotal Link: https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/d0f224023900420d0e541360144bfbfb03cbb936391ce6d3e98590ddca51bc6a/detection

File Similarity (ssdeep match)

File Score
C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SDKs\Windows\v10.0A\bin\NETFX 4.8 Tools\StoreAdm.exe 66
C:\Program Files (x86)\Reference Assemblies\Microsoft\Framework.NETFramework\v4.8\System.Web.ApplicationServices.dll 46
C:\Program Files (x86)\Reference Assemblies\Microsoft\Framework.NETFramework\v4.8\System.Web.DynamicData.Design.dll 63
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\AddInProcess.exe 63
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\AddInProcess32.exe 66
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\AddInUtil.exe 65
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\aspnet_regbrowsers.exe 63
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\InstallUtil.exe 91
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\AddInProcess.exe 63
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\AddInProcess32.exe 66
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\AddInUtil.exe 65
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\aspnet_regbrowsers.exe 63

Possible Misuse

The following table contains possible examples of InstallUtil.exe being misused. While InstallUtil.exe is not inherently malicious, its legitimate functionality can be abused for malicious purposes.

Source Source File Example License
sigma win_possible_applocker_bypass.yml - '\installutil.exe' DRL 1.0
sigma win_possible_applocker_bypass.yml - Using installutil to add features for .NET applications (primarly would occur in developer environments) DRL 1.0
sigma sysmon_suspicious_remote_thread.yml - '\installutil.exe' DRL 1.0
LOLBAS Installutil.yml Name: Installutil.exe  
LOLBAS Installutil.yml - Command: InstallUtil.exe /logfile= /LogToConsole=false /U AllTheThings.dll  
LOLBAS Installutil.yml - Path: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\InstallUtil.exe  
LOLBAS Installutil.yml - Path: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v2.0.50727\InstallUtil.exe  
LOLBAS Installutil.yml - Path: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\InstallUtil.exe  
LOLBAS Installutil.yml - Path: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\InstallUtil.exe  
LOLBAS Installutil.yml - Link: https://pentestlab.blog/2017/05/08/applocker-bypass-installutil/  
LOLBAS Installutil.yml - Link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/framework/tools/installutil-exe-installer-tool  
atomic-red-team index.md - T1218.004 InstallUtil MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team index.md - Atomic Test #3: InstallUtil class constructor method call [windows] MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team index.md - Atomic Test #4: InstallUtil Install method call [windows] MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team index.md - Atomic Test #5: InstallUtil Uninstall method call - /U variant [windows] MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team index.md - Atomic Test #6: InstallUtil Uninstall method call - ‘/installtype=notransaction /action=uninstall’ variant [windows] MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team index.md - Atomic Test #7: InstallUtil HelpText method call [windows] MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team index.md - Atomic Test #8: InstallUtil evasive invocation [windows] MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team windows-index.md - T1218.004 InstallUtil MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team windows-index.md - Atomic Test #3: InstallUtil class constructor method call [windows] MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team windows-index.md - Atomic Test #4: InstallUtil Install method call [windows] MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team windows-index.md - Atomic Test #5: InstallUtil Uninstall method call - /U variant [windows] MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team windows-index.md - Atomic Test #6: InstallUtil Uninstall method call - ‘/installtype=notransaction /action=uninstall’ variant [windows] MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team windows-index.md - Atomic Test #7: InstallUtil HelpText method call [windows] MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team windows-index.md - Atomic Test #8: InstallUtil evasive invocation [windows] MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team matrix.md | | | Path Interception by PATH Environment Variable CONTRIBUTE A TEST | Process Injection | InstallUtil | | | | | | | | MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team windows-matrix.md | | | Port Knocking CONTRIBUTE A TEST | SID-History Injection CONTRIBUTE A TEST | InstallUtil | | | | | | | | MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md # T1218.004 - InstallUtil MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md <blockquote>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: C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v\InstallUtil.exe</code> and C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v\InstallUtil.exe</code>. MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md InstallUtil may also be used to bypass application control through use of attributes within the binary that execute the class decorated with the attribute [System.ComponentModel.RunInstaller(true)]. (Citation: LOLBAS Installutil)</blockquote> MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md - Atomic Test #3 - InstallUtil class constructor method call MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md - Atomic Test #4 - InstallUtil Install method call MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md - Atomic Test #5 - InstallUtil Uninstall method call - /U variant MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md - Atomic Test #6 - InstallUtil Uninstall method call - ‘/installtype=notransaction /action=uninstall’ variant MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md - Atomic Test #7 - InstallUtil HelpText method call MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md - Atomic Test #8 - InstallUtil evasive invocation MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md Executes the CheckIfInstallable class constructor runner instead of executing InstallUtil. Upon execution, the InstallUtil test harness will be executed. MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md | invocation_method | the type of InstallUtil invocation variant - Executable, InstallHelper, or CheckIfInstallable | String | CheckIfInstallable| MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md ##### Description: InstallUtil test harness script must be installed at specified location (#{test_harness}) MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md Executes the InstallHelper class constructor runner instead of executing InstallUtil. Upon execution, no output will be displayed if the test MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md | invocation_method | the type of InstallUtil invocation variant - Executable, InstallHelper, or CheckIfInstallable | String | InstallHelper| MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md ## Atomic Test #3 - InstallUtil class constructor method call MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md | invocation_method | the type of InstallUtil invocation variant - Executable, InstallHelper, or CheckIfInstallable | String | Executable| MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md InstallUtil class constructor execution test failure. Installer assembly execution output did not match the expected output. MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md ## Atomic Test #4 - InstallUtil Install method call MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md InstallUtil Install method execution test failure. Installer assembly execution output did not match the expected output. MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md ## Atomic Test #5 - InstallUtil Uninstall method call - /U variant MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md InstallUtil Uninstall method execution test failure. Installer assembly execution output did not match the expected output. MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md ## Atomic Test #6 - InstallUtil Uninstall method call - ‘/installtype=notransaction /action=uninstall’ variant MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md ## Atomic Test #7 - InstallUtil HelpText method call MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md Executes the Uninstall Method. Upon execution, help information will be displayed for InstallUtil. MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md InstallUtil HelpText property execution test failure. Installer assembly execution output did not match the expected output. MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md ## Atomic Test #8 - InstallUtil evasive invocation MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md Executes an InstallUtil assembly by renaming InstallUtil.exe and using a nonstandard extension for the assembly. Upon execution, “Running a transacted installation.” MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md Copy-Item -Path “$([System.Runtime.InteropServices.RuntimeEnvironment]::GetRuntimeDirectory())InstallUtil.exe” -Destination “$Env:windir\System32\Tasks\notepad.exe” MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary
atomic-red-team T1218.004.md Evasive Installutil invocation test failure. Installer assembly execution output did not match the expected output. MIT License. © 2018 Red Canary

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