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Windows Recovery Environment Disabled Via Reagentc

Detects attempts to disable windows recovery environment using Reagentc. ReAgentc.exe is a command-line tool in Windows used to manage the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE). It allows users to enable, disable, and configure WinRE, which is used for troubleshooting and repairing common boot issues.

MITRE ATT&CK

T1490

impact

Detection Query

selection_img:
  - Image|endswith: \reagentc.exe
  - OriginalFileName: reagentc.exe
selection_cli:
  CommandLine|contains|windash: /disable
condition: all of selection_*

Author

Daniel Koifman (KoifSec), Michael Vilshin

Created

2025-07-31

Data Sources

windowsProcess Creation Events

Platforms

windows

References

Tags

attack.impactattack.t1490

Raw Content

title: Windows Recovery Environment Disabled Via Reagentc
id: db1c21e4-cd66-4b4e-85ca-590f0780529c
status: experimental
description: |
    Detects attempts to disable windows recovery environment using Reagentc.
    ReAgentc.exe is a command-line tool in Windows used to manage the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
    It allows users to enable, disable, and configure WinRE, which is used for troubleshooting and repairing common boot issues.
references:
    - https://www.elastic.co/security-labs/maas-appeal-an-infostealer-rises-from-the-ashes
    - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/reagentc-command-line-options?view=windows-11
author: Daniel Koifman (KoifSec), Michael Vilshin
date: 2025-07-31
tags:
    - attack.impact
    - attack.t1490
logsource:
    category: process_creation
    product: windows
detection:
    selection_img:   # Example command simulated:  reagentc /disable
        - Image|endswith: '\reagentc.exe'
        - OriginalFileName: 'reagentc.exe'
    selection_cli:
        CommandLine|contains|windash: '/disable'
    condition: all of selection_*
falsepositives:
    - Legitimate administrative activity
level: medium