Rapid7

module

Accessibility Features (Sticky Keys) Persistence via Debugger Registry Key

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Disclosed
Apr 24, 1995
Created
Jan 9, 2026

Description

This module makes it possible to apply the 'sticky keys' hack to a session with appropriate
rights. The hack provides a means to get a SYSTEM shell using UI-level interaction at an RDP
login screen or via a UAC confirmation dialog. The module modifies the Debug registry setting
for certain executables.

The module options allow for this hack to be applied to:

SETHC (sethc.exe is invoked when SHIFT is pressed 5 times),
UTILMAN (Utilman.exe is invoked by pressing WINDOWS+U),
OSK (osk.exe is invoked by pressing WINDOWS+U, then launching the on-screen keyboard),
DISP (DisplaySwitch.exe is invoked by pressing WINDOWS+P),
NARRATOR (Narrator.exe is invoked by pressing WINDOWS+CTR+ENTER),
ATBROKER (AtBroker.exe is invoked by launching accessibility features from the login screen, such as WINDOWS+CTR+ENTER).

Custom payloads and binaries can be run as part of this exploit, but must be manually uploaded
to the target prior to running the module.

Authors

OJ Reeves
h00die

Platform

Windows

Architectures

x64, x86, aarch64

References

Module Options

To display the available options, load the module within the Metasploit console and run the commands 'show options' or 'show advanced':


    msf > use exploit/windows/persistence/accessibility_features_debugger
    msf exploit(accessibility_features_debugger) > show targets
        ...targets...
    msf exploit(accessibility_features_debugger) > set TARGET < target-id >
    msf exploit(accessibility_features_debugger) > show options
        ...show and set options...
    msf exploit(accessibility_features_debugger) > exploit
Title
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