Windows 10 Device Guard WDAC CIP UserPEs

  • Thread starter Thread starter S_Tobias
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S_Tobias

Hi,


I'm working with Windows Device Guard (WDAC) to create a Code Integrity Policy.
To create a policy I use the New-CIPolicy Cmdlet.
In the documentation it says:
>To create a policy that includes user mode executables (applications), when you run New-CIPolicy, include the -UserPEs option.

(Grundlegendes zu WDAC-Richtlinien Regeln und-Datei Regeln (Windows 10) - Windows security)


I'm now wondering, what is defined as a "user mode executable"?

From a OS perspective I know there is something like the user mode and the kernel mode.

Is the -UserPEs option related to that?

As far as I can see, "kernel" files are added as "SIGNINGSCENARIO_DRIVERS" and "user" files to the "SIGNINGSCENARIO_WINDOWS" section in the CI Policy.


Example from a C:\Windows\system32 policy:
SIGNINGSCENARIO_DRIVERS:

* C:\Windows\System32\aadjcsp.dll

* C:\Windows\System32\AdaptiveCards.dll

* C:\Windows\System32\win32k.sys


SIGNINGSCENARIO_WINDOWS:

* C:\Windows\System32\aadauthhelper.dll

* C:\Windows\System32\aadcloudap.dll

* C:\Windows\System32\AgentService.exe


I know there is a IMAGE_FILE_SYSTEM flag in the PE characteristics, but I could not find the flag in any of the listed files.

(PE Format - Win32 apps)

I could also not find any obvious difference in the PE header.


Can any one explain what exactly is defined as a "kernel" and what as "user" application and how this is determined based on the given PE file.


Best regards,
Tobias

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