---
title: InstallUtil Activity
description: InstallUtil is a command-line utility that allows for installation and uninstallation of resources by executing specific installer components specified...
url: https://www.elastic.co/docs/reference/security/prebuilt-rules/rules_building_block/defense_evasion_installutil_command_activity
products:
  - Elastic Security
---

# InstallUtil Activity
InstallUtil is a command-line utility that allows for installation and uninstallation of resources by executing specific
installer components specified in .NET binaries. Adversaries may use InstallUtil to proxy the execution of code through
a trusted Windows utility.
**Rule type**: eql
**Rule indices**:
- endgame-*
- logs-endpoint.events.process-*
- logs-system.security*
- logs-windows.*
- winlogbeat-*

**Rule Severity**: low
**Risk Score**: 21
**Runs every**: 60m
**Searches indices from**: `now-119m`
**Maximum alerts per execution**: 100
**References**:
**Tags**:
- Domain: Endpoint
- OS: Windows
- Use Case: Threat Detection
- Tactic: Defense Evasion
- Data Source: Elastic Defend
- Rule Type: BBR
- Data Source: Elastic Endgame
- Data Source: Windows Security Event Logs
- Rule Type: Event Correlation (EQL)
- Platform: Windows

**Version**: 108
**Rule authors**:
- Elastic

**Rule license**: Elastic License v2

## Rule Query

```eql
process where host.os.type == "windows" and event.type == "start" and
  process.name : "installutil.exe" and not user.id : "S-1-5-18"
```

**Framework:** MITRE ATT&CK
- Tactic:
  - Name: Defense Evasion
  - Id: TA0005
  - Reference URL: [[https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0005/](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0005/)](https://attack.mitre.org/tactics/TA0005/)
- Technique:
  - Name: System Binary Proxy Execution
  - Id: T1218
  - Reference URL: [[https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/)](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/)
- Sub Technique:
  - Name: InstallUtil
  - Id: T1218.004
  - Reference URL: [[https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/004/](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/004/)](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1218/004/)