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hfiref0x/UACME · source
Snapshot 0 · 2026-11-04T12:47:23Z · C · BSD-2-Clause
Content fingerprint
7ee46aefb8ac63eb3d17bdeec22c38e97ecbeb5929bf808c49df7624ff125872GitHub description at capture
Defeating Windows User Account Control
README at capture
[](https://ci.appveyor.com/project/hfiref0x/uacme)
# UACMe
Defeating Windows User Account Control by abusing built-in Windows AutoElevate backdoor. This project demonstrates various UAC bypass techniques and serves as an educational resource for understanding Windows security mechanisms.
> ⚠️ **Warning**: This tool demonstrates security vulnerabilities that could be exploited maliciously. Use responsibly and only in controlled environments.
# System Requirements
* **Operating Systems**: Windows 7/8/8.1/10/11 (x86-32/x64, client, some methods however works on server version too)
* **User Account**: Administrator account with UAC set on default settings
## Usage
Run the executable from command line using the following syntax:
```
akagi32.exe [Method_Number] [Optional_Command]
```
or
```
akagi64.exe [Method_Number] [Optional_Command]
```
### Parameters:
* **Method_Number**: Number corresponding to the UAC bypass method (see Methods List below)
* **Optional_Command**: Full path to an executable file to run with elevated privileges
* If omitted, the program will launch an elevated command prompt (%systemroot%\system32\cmd.exe)
### Examples:
```
akagi32.exe 23
akagi64.exe 61
akagi32.exe 23 c:\windows\system32\calc.exe
akagi64.exe 61 c:\windows\system32\charmap.exe
```
> **Note**: Since version 3.5.0, all previously "fixed" methods are considered obsolete and have been removed. If you need them, use [v3.2.x branch](https://github.com/hfiref0x/UACME/tree/v3.2.x).
> **Note**: As of version 3.7.0, methods "fixed" between 3.5.0 and 3.7.0 have been removed from UACMe methods table. If you need them, use the [v3.6.x_plus branch](https://github.com/hfiref0x/UACME/tree/v3.6.x_plus) The code for these methods is still available in the current branch for historical purposes.
<details>
<summary>Keys (click to expand/collapse)</summary>
1. Author: Leo Davidson
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe
* Component(s): cryptbase.dll
* Implementation: ucmStandardAutoElevation
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 8.1 (9600)
* How: sysprep.exe hardened LoadFrom manifest elements
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
2. Author: Leo Davidson derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe
* Component(s): ShCore.dll
* Implementation: ucmStandardAutoElevation
* Works from: Windows 8.1 (9600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 TP (> 9600)
* How: Side effect of ShCore.dll moving to \KnownDlls
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
3. Author: Leo Davidson derivative by WinNT/Pitou
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\oobe\setupsqm.exe
* Component(s): WdsCore.dll
* Implementation: ucmStandardAutoElevation
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 TH2 (10558)
* How: Side effect of OOBE redesign
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
4. Author: Jon Ericson, WinNT/Gootkit, mzH
* Type: AppCompat
* Method: RedirectEXE Shim
* Target(s): \system32\cliconfg.exe
* Component(s): -
* Implementation: ucmShimRedirectEXE
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 TP (> 9600)
* How: Sdbinst.exe autoelevation removed, KB3045645/KB3048097 for rest Windows versions
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
5. Author: WinNT/Simda
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: ISecurityEditor
* Target(s): HKLM registry keys
* Component(s): -
* Implementation: ucmSimdaTurnOffUac
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 TH1 (10147)
* How: ISecurityEditor interface method changed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
6. Author: Win32/Carberp
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: WUSA
* Target(s): \ehome\mcx2prov.exe, \system32\migwiz\migwiz.exe
* Component(s): WdsCore.dll, CryptBase.dll, CryptSP.dll
* Implementation: ucmWusaMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 TH1 (10147)
* How: WUSA /extract option removed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
7. Author: Win32/Carberp derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: WUSA
* Target(s): \system32\cliconfg.exe
* Component(s): ntwdblib.dll
* Implementation: ucmWusaMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 TH1 (10147)
* How: WUSA /extract option removed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
8. Author: Leo Davidson derivative by Win32/Tilon
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe
* Component(s): Actionqueue.dll
* Implementation: ucmStandardAutoElevation
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 8.1 (9600)
* How: sysprep.exe hardened LoadFrom manifest
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
9. Author: Leo Davidson, WinNT/Simda, Win32/Carberp derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation, ISecurityEditor, WUSA
* Target(s): IFEO registry keys, \system32\cliconfg.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined Application Verifier Dll
* Implementation: ucmAvrfMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 TH1 (10147)
* How: WUSA /extract option removed, ISecurityEditor interface method changed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
10. Author: WinNT/Pitou, Win32/Carberp derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation, WUSA
* Target(s): \system32\\{New}or{Existing}\\{autoelevated}.exe, e.g. winsat.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined dll, e.g. PowProf.dll, DevObj.dll
* Implementation: ucmWinSATMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 TH2 (10548)
* How: AppInfo elevated application path control hardening
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
11. Author: Jon Ericson, WinNT/Gootkit, mzH
* Type: AppCompat
* Method: Shim Memory Patch
* Target(s): \system32\iscsicli.exe
* Component(s): Attacker prepared shellcode
* Implementation: ucmShimPatch
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 8.1 (9600)
* How: Sdbinst.exe autoelevation removed, KB3045645/KB3048097 for rest Windows versions
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
12. Author: Leo Davidson derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe
* Component(s): dbgcore.dll
* Implementation: ucmStandardAutoElevation
* Works from: Windows 10 TH1 (10240)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 TH2 (10565)
* How: sysprep.exe manifest updated
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
13. Author: Leo Davidson derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\mmc.exe EventVwr.msc
* Component(s): elsext.dll
* Implementation: ucmMMCMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS1 (14316)
* How: Missing dependency removed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
14. Author: Leo Davidson, WinNT/Sirefef derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system\credwiz.exe, \system32\wbem\oobe.exe
* Component(s): netutils.dll
* Implementation: ucmSirefefMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 TH2 (10548)
* How: AppInfo elevated application path control hardening
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
15. Author: Leo Davidson, Win32/Addrop, Metasploit derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\cliconfg.exe
* Component(s): ntwdblib.dll
* Implementation: ucmGenericAutoelevation
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS1 (14316)
* How: Cliconfg.exe autoelevation removed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
16. Author: Leo Davidson derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\GWX\GWXUXWorker.exe, \system32\inetsrv\inetmgr.exe
* Component(s): SLC.dll
* Implementation: ucmGWX
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS1 (14316)
* How: AppInfo elevated application path control and inetmgr executable hardening
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
17. Author: Leo Davidson derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack (Import forwarding)
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe
* Component(s): unbcl.dll
* Implementation: ucmStandardAutoElevation2
* Works from: Windows 8.1 (9600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS1 (14371)
* How: sysprep.exe manifest updated
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
18. Author: Leo Davidson derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack (Manifest)
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\taskhost.exe, \system32\tzsync.exe (any ms exe without manifest)
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmAutoElevateManifest
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS1 (14371)
* How: Manifest parsing logic reviewed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
19. Author: Leo Davidson derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\inetsrv\inetmgr.exe
* Component(s): MsCoree.dll
* Implementation: ucmInetMgrMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS1 (14376)
* How: inetmgr.exe executable manifest hardening, MitigationPolicy->ProcessImageLoadPolicy->PreferSystem32Images
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
20. Author: Leo Davidson derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\mmc.exe, Rsop.msc
* Component(s): WbemComn.dll
* Implementation: ucmMMCMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS3 (16232)
* How: Target requires wbemcomn.dll to be signed by MS
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
21. Author: Leo Davidson derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation, SxS DotLocal
* Target(s): \system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe
* Component(s): comctl32.dll
* Implementation: ucmSXSMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS3 (16232)
* How: MitigationPolicy->ProcessImageLoadPolicy->PreferSystem32Images
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
22. Author: Leo Davidson derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation, SxS DotLocal
* Target(s): \system32\consent.exe
* Component(s): comctl32.dll
* Implementation: ucmSXSMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 11 24H2/25H2 (26100/26200)
* How: Internal Windows loader changes, consent!MitigationPolicy->ProcessSignaturePolicy->MicrosoftSignedOnly
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
23. Author: Leo Davidson derivative
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\pkgmgr.exe
* Component(s): DismCore.dll
* Implementation: ucmDismMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v2.5.1
24. Author: BreakingMalware
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Environment variables expansion
* Target(s): \system32\CompMgmtLauncher.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmCometMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS2 (15031)
* How: CompMgmtLauncher.exe autoelevation removed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
25. Author: Enigma0x3
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\EventVwr.exe, \system32\CompMgmtLauncher.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmHijackShellCommandMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS2 (15031)
* How: EventVwr.exe redesigned, CompMgmtLauncher.exe autoelevation removed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
26. Author: Enigma0x3
* Type: Race Condition
* Method: File overwrite
* Target(s): %temp%\GUID\dismhost.exe
* Component(s): LogProvider.dll
* Implementation: ucmDiskCleanupRaceCondition
* Works from: Windows 10 TH1 (10240)
* AlwaysNotify compatible
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS2 (15031)
* How: File security permissions altered
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
27. Author: ExpLife
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: IARPUninstallStringLauncher
* Target(s): Attacker defined
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmUninstallLauncherMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS3 (16199)
* How: UninstallStringLauncher interface removed from COMAutoApprovalList
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
28. Author: Exploit/Sandworm
* Type: Whitelisted component
* Method: InfDefaultInstall
* Target(s): Attacker defined
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmSandwormMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 8.1 (9600)
* How: InfDefaultInstall.exe removed from g_lpAutoApproveEXEList (MS14-060)
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
29. Author: Enigma0x3
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\sdclt.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmAppPathMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 TH1 (10240)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS3 (16215)
* How: Shell API update
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
30. Author: Leo Davidson derivative, lhc645
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: WOW64 logger
* Target(s): \syswow64\\{any elevated exe, e.g wusa.exe}
* Component(s): wow64log.dll
* Implementation: ucmWow64LoggerMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 11 24H2/25H2 (26100/26200)
* How: Internal Windows loader changes
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
31. Author: Enigma0x3
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\sdclt.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmSdcltIsolatedCommandMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 TH1 (10240)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS4 (17025)
* How: Shell API / Windows components update
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
32. Author: xi-tauw
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: UIPI bypass with uiAccess application
* Target(s): \Program Files\Windows Media Player\osk.exe, \system32\EventVwr.exe, \system32\mmc.exe
* Component(s): duser.dll, osksupport.dll
* Implementation: ucmUiAccessMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v2.7.1
33. Author: winscripting.blog
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\fodhelper.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmShellRegModMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 TH1 (10240)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v2.7.2
34. Author: James Forshaw
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Environment variables expansion
* Target(s): \system32\svchost.exe via \system32\schtasks.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmDiskCleanupEnvironmentVariable
* Works from: Windows 8.1 (9600)
* AlwaysNotify compatible
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v2.7.2
35. Author: CIA & James Forshaw
* Type: Impersonation
* Method: Token Manipulations
* Target(s): Autoelevated applications
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmTokenModification
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* AlwaysNotify compatible, see note
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS5 (17686)
* How: ntoskrnl.exe->SeTokenCanImpersonate additional access token check added
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
36. Author: Thomas Vanhoutte aka SandboxEscaper
* Type: Race condition
* Method: NTFS reparse point & Dll Hijack
* Target(s): wusa.exe, pkgmgr.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmJunctionMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 11 24H2/25H2 (26100/26200)
* How: WUSA changes
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
37. Author: Ernesto Fernandez, Thomas Vanhoutte
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: SxS DotLocal, NTFS reparse point
* Target(s): \system32\dccw.exe
* Component(s): GdiPlus.dll
* Implementation: ucmSXSDccwMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 11 24H2/25H2 (26100/26200)
* How: Internal Windows loader changes, WUSA changes
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
38. Author: Clement Rouault
* Type: Whitelisted component
* Method: APPINFO command line spoofing
* Target(s): \system32\mmc.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmHakrilMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v2.7.6
39. Author: Stefan Kanthak
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: .NET Code Profiler
* Target(s): \system32\mmc.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmCorProfilerMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v2.7.7
40. Author: Ruben Boonen
* Type: COM Handler Hijack
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\mmc.exe, \system32\recdisc.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmCOMHandlersMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 19H1 (18362)
* How: Side effect of Windows changes
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
41. Author: Oddvar Moe
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: ICMLuaUtil
* Target(s): Attacker defined
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmCMLuaUtilShellExecMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v2.7.9
42. Author: BreakingMalware and Enigma0x3
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: IFwCplLua
* Target(s): Attacker defined
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmFwCplLuaMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS4 (17134)
* How: Shell API update
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
43. Author: Oddvar Moe derivative
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: IColorDataProxy, ICMLuaUtil
* Target(s): Attacker defined
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmDccwCOMMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v2.8.3
44. Author: bytecode77
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Environment variables expansion
* Target(s): Multiple auto-elevated processes
* Component(s): Various per target
* Implementation: ucmVolatileEnvMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS3 (16299)
* How: Current user system directory variables ignored during process creation
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
45. Author: bytecode77
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\slui.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmSluiHijackMethod
* Works from: Windows 8.1 (9600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 20H1 (19041)
* How: Side effect of Windows changes
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
46. Author: Anonymous
* Type: Race Condition
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\BitlockerWizardElev.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmBitlockerRCMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS4 (>16299)
* How: Shell API update
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
47. Author: clavoillotte & 3gstudent
* Type: COM Handler Hijack
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\mmc.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmCOMHandlersMethod2
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 19H1 (18362)
* How: Side effect of Windows changes
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
48. Author: deroko
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: ISPPLUAObject
* Target(s): Attacker defined
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmSPPLUAObjectMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS5 (17763)
* How: ISPPLUAObject interface method changed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
49. Author: RinN
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: ICreateNewLink
* Target(s): \system32\TpmInit.exe
* Component(s): WbemComn.dll
* Implementation: ucmCreateNewLinkMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS1 (14393)
* How: Side effect of consent.exe COMAutoApprovalList introduction
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
50. Author: Anonymous
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: IDateTimeStateWrite, ISPPLUAObject
* Target(s): w32time service
* Component(s): w32time.dll
* Implementation: ucmDateTimeStateWriterMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS5 (17763)
* How: Side effect of ISPPLUAObject interface change
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
51. Author: bytecode77 derivative
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: IAccessibilityCplAdmin
* Target(s): \system32\rstrui.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmAcCplAdminMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS4 (17134)
* How: Shell API update
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
52. Author: David Wells
* Type: Whitelisted component
* Method: AipNormalizePath parsing abuse
* Target(s): Attacker defined
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmDirectoryMockMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 11 24H2/25H2 (26100/26200)
* How: appinfo changes
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
53. Author: Emeric Nasi
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\sdclt.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmShellRegModMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 (14393)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.1.3
54. Author: egre55
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: Dll path search abuse
* Target(s): \syswow64\SystemPropertiesAdvanced.exe and other SystemProperties*.exe
* Component(s): \AppData\Local\Microsoft\WindowsApps\srrstr.dll
* Implementation: ucmEgre55Method
* Works from: Windows 10 (14393)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 19H1 (18362)
* How: SysDm.cpl!_CreateSystemRestorePage has been updated for secured load library call
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
55. Author: James Forshaw
* Type: GUI Hack
* Method: UIPI bypass with token modification
* Target(s): \system32\osk.exe, \system32\msconfig.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmTokenModUIAccessMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS5 (17763), a part of patch, 2024 year
* How: When integrity level of an UIAccess token is lowered, the UIAccess property is removed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
56. Author: Hashim Jawad
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\WSReset.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmShellRegModMethod2
* Works from: Windows 10 (17134)
* Fixed in: Windows 11 (22000)
* How: Windows components redesign
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
57. Author: Leo Davidson derivative by Win32/Gapz
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\sysprep\sysprep.exe
* Component(s): unattend.dll
* Implementation: ucmStandardAutoElevation
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 8.1 (9600)
* How: sysprep.exe hardened LoadFrom manifest elements
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
58. Author: RinN
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: IEditionUpgradeManager
* Target(s): \system32\clipup.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmEditionUpgradeManagerMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 (14393)
* Fixed in: Windows 11 24H2/25H2 (26100/26200)
* How: Current user environment variable %windir% ignored
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
59. Author: James Forshaw
* Type: AppInfo ALPC
* Method: RAiLaunchAdminProcess and DebugObject
* Target(s): Attacker defined
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmDebugObjectMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.2.3
60. Author: Enigma0x3 derivative by WinNT/Glupteba
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\CompMgmtLauncher.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmGluptebaMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS2 (15063)
* How: CompMgmtLauncher.exe autoelevation removed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.5.0 :tractor:
61. Author: Enigma0x3/bytecode77 derivative by Nassim Asrir
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\slui.exe, \system32\changepk.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmShellRegModMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 (14393)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.2.5
62. Author: winscripting.blog
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\computerdefaults.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmShellRegModMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 RS4 (17134)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.2.6
63. Author: Arush Agarampur
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: ISecurityEditor
* Target(s): Native Image Cache elements
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmNICPoisonMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.2.7
64. Author: Arush Agarampur
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: IIEAxiAdminInstaller, IIEAxiInstaller2, IFileOperation
* Target(s): IE add-on install cache
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmIeAddOnInstallMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.5.1
65. Author: Arush Agarampur
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: IWscAdmin
* Target(s): Shell Protocol Hijack
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmWscActionProtocolMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 11 24H2 (26100)
* How: Side effect of Windows changes
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
66. Author: Arush Agarampur
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: IFwCplLua, Shell Protocol Hijack
* Target(s): Shell protocol registry entry and environment variables
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmFwCplLuaMethod2
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 11 24H2 (26100)
* How: Side effect of Windows changes
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
67. Author: Arush Agarampur
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Shell Protocol Hijack
* Target(s): \system32\fodhelper.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmMsSettingsProtocolMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 TH1 (10240)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.5.4
68. Author: Arush Agarampur
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Shell Protocol Hijack
* Target(s): \system32\wsreset.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmMsStoreProtocolMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 RS5 (17763)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.5.5
69. Author: Arush Agarampur
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Environment variables expansion, Dll Hijack
* Target(s): \system32\taskhostw.exe
* Component(s): pcadm.dll
* Implementation: ucmPcaMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* AlwaysNotify compatible
* Fixed in: Windows 11 24H2/25H2 (26100)
* How: Current user environment variable %windir% ignored
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
70. Author: V3ded
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \system32\fodhelper.exe, \system32\computerdefaults.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmShellRegModMethod3
* Works from: Windows 10 (10240)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.5.7
71. Author: Arush Agarampur
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: ISecurityEditor
* Target(s): Native Image Cache elements
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmNICPoisonMethod2
* Works from: Windows 7 RTM (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.5.8
72. Author: Emeric Nasi
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: Dll path search abuse
* Target(s): \syswow64\msdt.exe, \system32\sdiagnhost.exe
* Component(s): BluetoothDiagnosticUtil.dll
* Implementation: ucmMsdtMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 (10240)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.5.9
73. Author: orange_8361 and antonioCoco
* Type: Shell API
* Method: .NET deserialization
* Target(s): \system32\mmc.exe EventVwr.msc
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmDotNetSerialMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 RTM (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 11 24H2/25H2 (26100)
* How: EventViewer redesign
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
74. Author: zcgonvh
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: IElevatedFactoryServer
* Target(s): Attacker defined
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmVFServerTaskSchedMethod
* Works from: Windows 8.1 (9600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.6.1
75. Author: zcgonvh derivative by Wh04m1001
* Type: Elevated COM interface
* Method: IDiagnosticProfile
* Target(s): Attacker defined
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmVFServerDiagProfileMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 RTM (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.6.2
76. Author: HackerHouse
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: Dll path search abuse, Registry key manipulation
* Target(s): \syswow64\iscsicpl.exe
* Component(s): iscsiexe.dll
* Implementation: ucmIscsiCplMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 RTM (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.6.3
77. Author: Arush Agarampur
* Type: Dll Hijack
* Method: IFileOperation
* Target(s): \system32\mmc.exe
* Component(s): atl.dll
* Implementation: ucmAtlHijackMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 RTM (7600)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.6.4
78. Author: antonioCoco
* Type: Impersonation
* Method: SSPI Datagram
* Target(s): Attacker defined
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmSspiDatagramMethod
* Works from: Windows 7 RTM (7600)
* AlwaysNotify compatible
* Fixed in: Windows 10 (19041), a part of patch, 2024? year
* How: Side effect of Windows changes
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
79. Author: James Forshaw and Stefan Kanthak
* Type: GUI Hack
* Method: UIPI bypass with token modification
* Target(s): \system32\osk.exe, \system32\mmc.exe
* Component(s): Attacker defined
* Implementation: ucmTokenModUIAccessMethod2
* Works from: Windows 7 (7600)
* Fixed in: Windows 10 RS5 (17763), a part of patch, 2024 year
* How: When integrity level of an UIAccess token is lowered, the UIAccess property is removed
* Code status: removed starting from v3.7.0 :tractor:
80. Author: R41N3RZUF477
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Environment variables expansion, Dll Hijack
* Target(s): \system32\taskhostw.exe
* Component(s): PerformanceTraceHandler.dll
* Implementation: ucmRequestTraceMethod
* Works from: Windows 11 (26100)
* AlwaysNotify compatible
* Fixed in: Windows 11 25H2 (26200)
* How: Side effect of Windows changes
* Code status: readded in v3.7.1
81. Author: R41N3RZUF477
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Environment variables expansion, Dll Hijack, UIPI bypass
* Target(s): \system32\QuickAssist.exe
* Component(s): EmbeddedBrowserWebView.dll
* Implementation: ucmQuickAssistMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 (19041)
* AlwaysNotify compatible
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.6.8
82. Author: WZ
* Type: Shell API
* Method: UICleanmgrAdminHelper, UICleanmgrHelper
* Target(s): \system32\SystemSettingsAdminFlows.exe
* Component(s): Action.exe
* Implementation: ucmCleanMgrAdminMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 (19041)
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.7.0
83. Author: R41N3RZUF477
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Environment variables expansion, Dll Hijack
* Target(s): \System32\taskhostw.exe
* Component(s): unifiedconsent.dll
* Implementation: ucmUnifiedConsentMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 (19041)
* AlwaysNotify compatible
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.7.1
84. Author: R41N3RZUF477
* Type: Shell API
* Method: Environment variables expansion, Dll Hijack, UIPI bypass
* Target(s): \Program Files\Common Files\microsoft shared\ink\TabTip.exe
* Component(s): windows.storage.dll, ApplicationTargetedFeatureDatabase.dll, rsaenh.dll
* Implementation: ucmTabTipMethod
* Works from: Windows 8.1 (9600)
* AlwaysNotify compatible
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.7.1
85. Author: R41N3RZUF477
* Type: GUI Hack
* Method: Shell Protocol Hijack, Dll Hijack, UIPI bypass
* Target(s): \system32\Narrator.exe, \system32\osk.exe
* Component(s): OskSupport.dll
* Implementation: ucmNarratorMethod
* Works from: Windows 10 (17763)
* AlwaysNotify compatible
* Fixed in: unfixed :see_no_evil:
* How: -
* Code status: added in v3.7.1
</details>
**Important Notes:**
* Method 30, 63 and later are implemented only in x64 version
* Method 30 requires x64 because it exploits WOW64 subsystem feature
* Method 55 is included primarily for educational purposes and may not be reliable
* Method 78 requires that the current user account password is not blank
## Warning
⚠️ **Important Security and Usage Information**:
* This tool demonstrates **only publicly known UAC bypass methods** used by malware. It reimplements some techniques in different ways to improve upon original concepts.
* **Not intended for antivirus testing** and not guaranteed to work in environments with aggressive security software. Use with active antivirus at your own risk.
* Many antivirus solutions may flag this tool as a "HackTool" - this is expected behavior due to its capabilities.
* **Clean up after usage**: If running on a production system, ensure you remove all program artifacts afterward. See source code for details about files dropped to system folders.
* Most methods were developed primarily for x64 systems. While many can work on x86-32 with minor adjustments, 32-bit support is not a focus of this project.
* For an official Microsoft explanation on why UAC bypasses still exist, see: [Microsoft's stance on UAC](https://devblogs.microsoft.com/oldnewthing/20160816-00/?p=94105)
# Windows 10 support and testing policy
* UACMe is tested only with LSTB/LTSC variants (1607/1809) and the current RTM-1 versions
* For example: if the current version is 2004, it will be tested on 2004 (19041) and the previous 1909 (18363)
* Insider builds are not supported as methods may be fixed in preview releases
# Protection Measures
The most effective protection against UAC bypass techniques is using an account without administrative privileges.
# Build instructions
UACMe is written in C and requires Microsoft Visual Studio 2019 or later to build from source.
### Prerequisites
* **IDE**: Microsoft Visual Studio 2019/2022/2026 and later version
* **SDK Requirements**:
* Windows 8.1 or Windows 10/11 SDK (tested with 19041/26100 version)
### Build Steps
1. **Configure Platform ToolSet** (Project->Properties->General):
* For Visual Studio 2022: Select v143
* For Visual Studio 2026: Select v145
2. **Set Target Platform Version** (Project->Properties->General):
* For v140: Select 8.1 (Windows 8.1 SDK must be installed)
* For v141 and above: Select 10
3. **Build Process**:
* Compile payload units
* Compile Naka module
* Encrypt all payload units using Naka module
* Generate secret blobs for these units using Naka module
* Move compiled units and secret blobs to the Akagi\Bin directory
* Rebuild Akagi
> **Note**: Compiled binaries are not provided and will never be provided. This serves as a barrier against malicious usage and helps maintain the educational purpose of this project.
## Legal Disclaimer
* This tool is provided for **educational and research purposes only**
* We do not take any responsibility for this tool being used in malicious activities
* We have no affiliation with any "security company" using this code for commercial activities
* This GitHub repository (hfiref0x/UACME) is the only genuine source for UACMe code
# Support
If you find this project interesting, you can buy me a coffee
BTC (Bitcoin): bc1qzkvtpa0053cagf35dqmpvv9k8hyrwl7krwdz84q39mcpy68y6tmqsju0g4
# References
* Windows 7 UAC whitelist, http://www.pretentiousname.com/misc/win7_uac_whitelist2.html
* Malicious Application Compatibility Shims, https://www.blackhat.com/docs/eu-15/materials/eu-15-Pierce-Defending-Against-Malicious-Application-Compatibility-Shims-wp.pdf
* Junfeng Zhang from WinSxS dev team blog, https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/junfeng/
* Beyond good ol' Run key, series of articles, http://www.hexacorn.com/blog
* KernelMode.Info UACMe thread, https://www.kernelmode.info/forum/viewtopicf985.html?f=11&t=3643
* Command Injection/Elevation - Environment Variables Revisited, https://breakingmalware.com/vulnerabilities/command-injection-and-elevation-environment-variables-revisited
* "Fileless" UAC Bypass Using eventvwr.exe and Registry Hijacking, https://enigma0x3.net/2016/08/15/fileless-uac-bypass-using-eventvwr-exe-and-registry-hijacking/
* Bypassing UAC on Windows 10 using Disk Cleanup, https://enigma0x3.net/2016/07/22/bypassing-uac-on-windows-10-using-disk-cleanup/
* Using IARPUninstallStringLauncher COM interface to bypass UAC, http://www.freebuf.com/articles/system/116611.html
* Bypassing UAC using App Paths, https://enigma0x3.net/2017/03/14/bypassing-uac-using-app-paths/
* "Fileless" UAC Bypass using sdclt.exe, https://enigma0x3.net/2017/03/17/fileless-uac-bypass-using-sdclt-exe/
* UAC Bypass or story about three escalations, https://habrahabr.ru/company/pm/blog/328008/
* Exploiting Environment Variables in Scheduled Tasks for UAC Bypass, https://tyranidslair.blogspot.ru/2017/05/exploiting-environment-variables-in.html
* First entry: Welcome and fileless UAC bypass, https://winscripting.blog/2017/05/12/first-entry-welcome-and-uac-bypass/
* Reading Your Way Around UAC in 3 parts:
1. https://tyranidslair.blogspot.ru/2017/05/reading-your-way-around-uac-part-1.html
2. https://tyranidslair.blogspot.ru/2017/05/reading-your-way-around-uac-part-2.html
3. https://tyranidslair.blogspot.ru/2017/05/reading-your-way-around-uac-part-3.html
* Research on CMSTP.exe, https://msitpros.com/?p=3960
* UAC bypass via elevated .NET applications, https://offsec.provadys.com/UAC-bypass-dotnet.html
* UAC Bypass by Mocking Trusted Directories, https://medium.com/tenable-techblog/uac-bypass-by-mocking-trusted-directories-24a96675f6e
* Yet another sdclt UAC bypass, http://blog.sevagas.com/?Yet-another-sdclt-UAC-bypass
* UAC Bypass via SystemPropertiesAdvanced.exe and DLL Hijacking, https://egre55.github.io/system-properties-uac-bypass/
* Accessing Access Tokens for UIAccess, https://tyranidslair.blogspot.com/2019/02/accessing-access-tokens-for-uiaccess.html
* Fileless UAC Bypass in Windows Store Binary, https://www.activecyber.us/1/post/2019/03/windows-uac-bypass.html
* Calling Local Windows RPC Servers from .NET, https://googleprojectzero.blogspot.com/2019/12/calling-local-windows-rpc-servers-from.html
* Microsoft Windows 10 UAC bypass local privilege escalation exploit, https://packetstormsecurity.com/files/155927/Microsoft-Windows-10-Local-Privilege-Escalation.html
* UACMe 3.5, WD and the ways of mitigation, https://swapcontext.blogspot.com/2020/10/uacme-35-wd-and-ways-of-mitigation.html
* UAC bypasses from COMAutoApprovalList, https://swapcontext.blogspot.com/2020/11/uac-bypasses-from-comautoapprovallist.html
* Utilizing Programmatic Identifiers (ProgIDs) for UAC Bypasses, https://v3ded.github.io/redteam/utilizing-programmatic-identifiers-progids-for-uac-bypasses
* MSDT DLL Hijack UAC bypass, https://blog.sevagas.com/?MSDT-DLL-Hijack-UAC-bypass
* UAC bypass through .Net Deserialization vulnerability in eventvwr.exe, https://twitter.com/orange_8361/status/1518970259868626944
* Advanced Windows Task Scheduler Playbook - Part.2 from COM to UAC bypass and get SYSTEM directly, http://www.zcgonvh.com/post/Advanced_Windows_Task_Scheduler_Playbook-Part.2_from_COM_to_UAC_bypass_and_get_SYSTEM_dirtectly.html
* Bypassing UAC with SSPI Datagram Contexts, https://splintercod3.blogspot.com/p/bypassing-uac-with-sspi-datagram.html
* Mitigate some Exploits for Windows’® UAC, https://skanthak.hier-im-netz.de/uacamole.html
* Here's a BYPASS for you, https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/D_Hchnzlv18naeJrYVJi1A
# Authors
(c) 2014 - 2026 UACMe Project