> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/fodhelper-exe-uac-bypass.md).

# Fodhelper.exe UAC bypass

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                                      |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                                    |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                                    |
| Test Period          | N/A (single event)                                                         |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                                                      |
| Required Data        | XDR Agent                                                                  |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Privilege Escalation (TA0004)                                              |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism: Bypass User Account Control (T1548.002) |
| Severity             | Medium                                                                     |

### Description

Attackers may use Fodhelper.exe to bypass UAC (User Account Control) by having it spawn their malicious process.

### Attacker's Goals

Gain higher privileges by bypassing the User Account Control (UAC).

### Investigative actions

* Search for a registry event that changes the key Software\Classes\ms-settings.
* Review the process that made the registry key.
* Check whether the executing process is benign and if this was a desired behavior as part of its normal execution flow.


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