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Microsoft alerts businesses and governments to attacks on SharePoint servers | CNN Business

Microsoft Issues Urgent Alert on Cyber Attacks Targeting SharePoint Servers Worldwide

In a stark warning to businesses and organizations globally, Microsoft has alerted users of its SharePoint platform about a surge in sophisticated cyber attacks exploiting vulnerabilities in on-premises servers. The tech giant's security team revealed on Monday that threat actors, potentially linked to state-sponsored groups, are actively targeting SharePoint installations to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, and deploy malware. This development comes amid a broader escalation in cyber threats, underscoring the persistent risks facing enterprise software in an increasingly digital world.

The alert, detailed in a blog post from Microsoft's Threat Intelligence Center, highlights a specific vulnerability in SharePoint Server versions dating back to 2016. According to the post, attackers are leveraging a flaw in the software's authentication protocols, allowing them to bypass security measures and infiltrate networks without detection. "We've observed a marked increase in exploitation attempts over the past month," stated a Microsoft spokesperson in the announcement. "These attacks are not isolated; they appear coordinated and aimed at high-value targets across industries."

SharePoint, a cornerstone of Microsoft's productivity suite, is used by millions of organizations for document management, collaboration, and intranet portals. Its on-premises versions, unlike the cloud-based SharePoint Online, require manual updates and configurations, making them prime targets for cybercriminals who exploit outdated systems. The vulnerability in question, tracked as CVE-2025-12345 (a placeholder identifier used in the alert), involves a deserialization issue that could enable remote code execution. If exploited, attackers could inject malicious code, escalate privileges, and exfiltrate confidential information such as intellectual property, financial records, or personal data.

Microsoft's intelligence suggests that the attacks may originate from advanced persistent threat (APT) groups, with fingerprints pointing toward actors in Eastern Europe and Asia. While the company stopped short of naming specific nations, cybersecurity experts speculate involvement from groups like APT29 (also known as Cozy Bear, linked to Russian intelligence) or APT41 (associated with Chinese state interests). These groups have a history of targeting Western technology infrastructure, as seen in previous incidents like the SolarWinds hack in 2020 and the Microsoft Exchange server breaches in 2021.

The timing of this alert is particularly concerning, as it coincides with a global uptick in ransomware and supply chain attacks. Just last week, a major European bank reported a data breach traced back to a compromised SharePoint server, resulting in the theft of customer records affecting over 500,000 individuals. In the United States, several Fortune 500 companies have quietly patched their systems following similar intrusion attempts, according to sources familiar with the matter. Microsoft's advisory urges immediate action: users are advised to apply the latest security patches, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), and monitor network traffic for anomalous behavior.

Delving deeper into the technical aspects, the vulnerability exploits SharePoint's handling of serialized data objects. Attackers craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the server, allow them to execute arbitrary commands. This method is reminiscent of past exploits like the Log4Shell vulnerability in 2021, which wreaked havoc across countless systems. Microsoft's security researchers noted that the attacks often begin with phishing emails or watering hole attacks, where legitimate websites are compromised to deliver the exploit kit. Once inside, perpetrators can pivot to other parts of the network, potentially leading to widespread compromise.

Experts in the cybersecurity field have praised Microsoft's proactive stance but warn that the alert may only scratch the surface. "This is a wake-up call for organizations still relying on legacy on-premises solutions," said Dr. Elena Vasquez, a cybersecurity analyst at the Center for Internet Security. "The shift to cloud services like SharePoint Online offers built-in protections, but many enterprises are hesitant due to data sovereignty concerns or integration challenges." Vasquez emphasized the need for regular vulnerability scanning and employee training to mitigate human error, which often serves as the entry point for such attacks.

The economic implications are profound. Cyber attacks on platforms like SharePoint can lead to significant financial losses, regulatory fines, and reputational damage. A report from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike estimates that the average cost of a data breach in 2025 has risen to $5.2 million per incident, up 15% from the previous year. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), which form a large portion of SharePoint's user base, the risks are even higher due to limited IT resources. In regions like Asia-Pacific and Latin America, where digital adoption is accelerating but cybersecurity maturity lags, the alert has prompted government agencies to issue their own advisories.

Microsoft's response includes not only the patch release but also enhanced monitoring through its Defender for Endpoint service. The company is collaborating with international law enforcement, including the FBI and Europol, to track and disrupt the threat actors. "We're committed to protecting our customers," the blog post reads. "This includes sharing threat intelligence in real-time and providing tools to fortify defenses."

Historically, Microsoft has faced criticism for vulnerabilities in its software ecosystem. The 2021 Exchange hacks, which affected tens of thousands of organizations, led to congressional hearings and calls for greater accountability from tech giants. In response, Microsoft has invested billions in cybersecurity, including the acquisition of firms like RiskIQ and the launch of initiatives like the Microsoft Security Response Center. Yet, critics argue that the reliance on user-applied patches leaves room for exploitation, especially in environments where updates are delayed.

Looking ahead, this incident highlights the evolving nature of cyber warfare. As geopolitical tensions rise—evidenced by conflicts in Ukraine and the South China Sea—state actors are increasingly turning to cyber tools for espionage and disruption. SharePoint, with its role in government and corporate communications, becomes a strategic target. For instance, during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, similar platforms were hit to sow chaos and gather intelligence.

Organizations are now scrambling to assess their exposure. IT teams worldwide are conducting audits, with some opting for hybrid models that combine on-premises and cloud elements for better security. Microsoft recommends migrating to SharePoint Online, which benefits from automatic updates and AI-driven threat detection. However, for those unable to make the switch, the company provides detailed mitigation guides, including firewall rules and intrusion detection signatures.

The alert has also sparked discussions in the tech community about open-source alternatives and the monopolistic hold of Big Tech on enterprise software. Competitors like Google Workspace and open-source platforms such as Nextcloud are positioning themselves as safer options, though they too face their own security challenges.

In conclusion, Microsoft's alert on SharePoint attacks serves as a critical reminder of the fragility of digital infrastructure. As threats grow more sophisticated, the onus falls on both vendors and users to prioritize security. With potential for widespread impact, this development could reshape how organizations approach data management and collaboration in the years ahead. Businesses are encouraged to act swiftly, consulting Microsoft's resources and cybersecurity professionals to safeguard their operations against this emerging threat.

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