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STATUS_PROCESS_IS_PROTECTED
The target is a protected process
STATUS_PROCESS_IS_PROTECTED identifies a specific Windows status in the process security and execution policy path. The operation crossed the protection boundary of a protected or protected-light process. Administrator membership does not automatically grant access that the protection level forbids.
Record target protection level, signer category, requested access mask and caller identity. Use documented service interfaces instead of process-memory or thread manipulation.
What to preserve before changing the system
- The exact API, caller, target object, original NTSTATUS value, and any nested error or activity ID.
- For STATUS_PROCESS_IS_PROTECTED, the relevant process token, package/job/enclave identity, lifecycle state, and policy or mitigation settings.
- For STATUS_PROCESS_IS_PROTECTED, operational event logs and a timeline showing the first transition into the failing state.
References for STATUS_PROCESS_IS_PROTECTED
- Microsoft: process mitigation policies
- Microsoft: App Control troubleshooting
- Microsoft Open Specifications: NTSTATUS values
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