External risk intelligence

Microsoft SharePoint Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-0604

A remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint allows attackers to run arbitrary code. This can impact affected SharePoint applications, leading to potential business data compromise and service disruption. The risk to business operations is significant due to the potential for unauthorized access.

4Halo Surface Signal

Remote Code Execution

Microsoft Sharepoint Enterprise Server

2016201320102019

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-0604

Microsoft SharePoint is frequently deployed as an internet-facing web application, enterprise portal, or collaborative service. Given its role as a network-accessible collaboration platform, it is commonly exposed to public networks to facilitate remote access for employees and partners.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Microsoft SharePoint contains a vulnerability where it does not properly validate the source markup of application packages. This flaw could permit an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the affected servers. The potential impact includes the compromise of business data and disruption of services.

Vulnerable SharePoint applications
Failure to check application package markup
Potential for code execution and data compromise

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

Attackers can exploit a vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint by sending specially crafted application packages. This occurs when the software does not properly validate the source markup of these packages. Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute remote code on the affected server. This could lead to unauthorized access and potential compromise of the SharePoint environment and its associated data.

Unvalidated application package markup.
Attacker sends malicious package.
Remote code execution and server control.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A critical remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint could allow attackers to compromise systems. Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized remote code execution, impacting data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Organizations utilizing affected versions of SharePoint should consider this a high-priority risk due to the potential for significant business disruption and data compromise.

Attackers with no special skill needed.
No access or conditions required.
High business risk; treat as urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A remote code execution vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint requires immediate attention to protect business operations. This vulnerability, which allows attackers to execute code remotely, could impact the integrity and availability of SharePoint environments, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control. Addressing this issue involves a structured approach to minimize risk and restore system security.- Identify all SharePoint assets.

Isolate or restrict exposed systems.
Apply Microsoft patches and validate.
Monitor for related issues.

Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server?

Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server is a platform used for collaboration, document management, and building business applications within an organization. It allows users to share information, manage projects, and streamline workflows. This vulnerability affects specific versions of SharePoint.

What kind of weakness does CVE-2019-0604 represent?

CVE-2019-0604 is a remote code execution vulnerability. This means an attacker could potentially run their own code on a vulnerable SharePoint server without needing to be physically present or having any initial access privileges.

What are the preconditions for exploiting this SharePoint vulnerability?

The vulnerability is triggered when SharePoint fails to properly check the source markup of an application package. An attacker can exploit this by sending a specially crafted application package to the server. There are no special skills or prior access conditions required for an attacker to exploit this flaw.

How likely is it that my SharePoint instance is exposed to this threat?

This vulnerability is considered likely to be exposed because Microsoft SharePoint is often set up as an internet-facing application for remote access by employees and partners. Its role as a publicly accessible collaboration platform increases the chances of it being accessible from external networks. [cite:haloSurfaceSignal]

What should I do if I run affected SharePoint technology?

If you are running an affected version of SharePoint, the first steps should be to identify all your SharePoint assets and then apply the patches released by Microsoft. It is also advisable to monitor for any related suspicious activities within your environment.

References

Written by Nicholas Merritt

External-surface CVE analysis and Halo Surface Signal prioritization for Halo Threat Intelligence.