Windows Utility wevtutil.exe Exploited in Cyber Attacks

Security researchers reveal the weaponization of Windows’ wevtutil.exe. An analysis by Tonmoy Jitu highlights how the legitimate Windows utility wevtutil.exe, designed for event log management, can be exploited by attackers for stealthy operations. While it allows for exporting, clearing, and querying logs, these features can aid in covering tracks or exfiltrating sensitive information. Attackers increasingly use this tool to evade detection, as it is pre-installed on all Windows systems and less monitored than other utilities like PowerShell. To combat this misuse, organizations are advised to enhance monitoring, establish usage baselines, centralize logging, and employ behavioral analytics to identify suspicious activities. Understanding these tactics is essential for both offensive and defensive cybersecurity strategies.