T1688
Safe Mode Boot
Description from ATT&CK
Adversaries may abuse Windows safe mode to disable endpoint defenses. Safe mode starts up the Windows operating system with a limited set of drivers and services. Third-party security software such as endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools may not start after booting Windows in safe mode. There are two versions of safe mode: Safe Mode and Safe Mode with Networking. It is possible to start additional services after a safe mode boot.(Citation: Microsoft Windows Startup Settings)(Citation: Sophos Safe Mode Boot)
Adversaries may abuse safe mode to disable endpoint defenses that may not start with a limited boot. Hosts can be forced into safe mode after the next reboot via modifications to Boot Configuration Data (BCD) stores, which are files that manage boot application settings.(Citation: Microsoft bcdedit)
Adversaries may also add their malicious applications to the list of minimal services that start in safe mode by modifying relevant Registry values (i.e. Modify Registry). Malicious Component Object Model (COM) objects may also be registered and loaded in safe mode.(Citation: CyberArk Labs Safe Mode 2016)(Citation: Cybereason safe mode boot)(Citation: BleepingComputer REvil 2021)
Atomic Tests
Atomic Test #1: Safe Mode Boot
Allows adversaries to abuse safe mode to disable endpoint defenses that may not start with limited boot
Supported Platforms: Windows
auto_generated_guid: 2a78362e-b79a-4482-8e24-be397bce4d85
Attack Commands: Run with command_prompt! Elevation Required (e.g. root or admin)
bcdedit /set safeboot networkCleanup Commands
bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safebootAtomic test(s) for this technique last updated: 2026-05-02 03:10:14 UTC