Elastic Security Detection Rules

Unusual Windows User Privilege Elevation Activity

Last updated 5 months ago on 2025-03-20
Created 5 years ago on 2020-03-25

About

A machine learning job detected an unusual user context switch, using the runas command or similar techniques, which can indicate account takeover or privilege escalation using compromised accounts. Privilege elevation using tools like runas are more commonly used by domain and network administrators than by regular Windows users.
Tags
Domain: EndpointOS: WindowsUse Case: Threat DetectionRule Type: MLRule Type: Machine LearningTactic: Privilege Escalation
Severity
low
Risk Score
21
MITRE ATT&CK™

Privilege Escalation (TA0004)(opens in a new tab or window)

False Positive Examples
Uncommon user privilege elevation activity can be due to an administrator, help desk technician, or a user performing manual troubleshooting or reconfiguration.
License
Elastic License v2(opens in a new tab or window)

Definition

Rule Type
Machine Learning
Integration Pack
Prebuilt Security Detection Rules
Related Integrations

endpoint(opens in a new tab or window)

windows(opens in a new tab or window)

Query

Install detection rules in Elastic Security

Detect Unusual Windows User Privilege Elevation Activity in the Elastic Security detection engine by installing this rule into your Elastic Stack.

To setup this rule, check out the installation guide for Prebuilt Security Detection Rules(opens in a new tab or window).