ShyDrager

ShyDrager is a user account control bypass vulnerability that was discovered in Microsoft Windows. It allows a local attacker to escalate privileges on a vulnerable system without triggering any User Account Control (UAC) prompts. The vulnerability exists in the way Windows handles certain COM objects, specifically those associated with the `fodhelper.exe` process. By exploiting a flaw in the COM object registration and interaction, an attacker can execute arbitrary code with elevated SYSTEM privileges.

The bypass works by creating a specially crafted registry key that points to a malicious executable. When `fodhelper.exe` is launched by a standard user, it interacts with this registry key and inadvertently loads and executes the attacker's code. This circumvents the usual UAC security mechanism, which is designed to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation. The ShyDrager vulnerability was disclosed in late 2021 and affected various versions of Windows. Microsoft released security updates to address the issue.

Exploitation of ShyDrager typically involves downloading and running a malicious payload that then sets up the necessary registry modifications. The attacker would need initial local access to the target machine to execute the exploit. Once successful, the attacker gains full administrative control over the system, enabling them to install programs, view, change, or delete data, and create new accounts with full user rights. The existence of such vulnerabilities highlights the importance of keeping operating systems and software updated with the latest security patches to mitigate potential risks.