New Threats To On-Premises SharePoint: Responding To Active Exploitations

James

3 min read

Post on Jul 25, 2025

4.1

Share

New Threats to On-Premises SharePoint: Responding to Active Exploitations

On-premises SharePoint deployments, while offering robust control and customization, are increasingly facing sophisticated and active exploitation attempts. This isn't just a theoretical risk; security researchers are reporting a surge in attacks targeting vulnerabilities in older, unpatched SharePoint versions. Ignoring these threats can lead to devastating consequences, including data breaches, ransomware infections, and significant financial losses. This article explores the emerging threats and provides actionable steps to bolster your on-premises SharePoint security.

The Evolving Threat Landscape:

The attack vectors targeting on-premises SharePoint are becoming more diverse and insidious. While common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) remain a major concern, attackers are also leveraging social engineering tactics, exploiting misconfigurations, and focusing on less-protected perimeter systems to gain access. Specifically, we're seeing an increase in:

• Zero-day exploits: These attacks leverage previously unknown vulnerabilities, making proactive patching crucial. Staying up-to-date with Microsoft's security bulletins is paramount.
• Phishing and spear-phishing campaigns: Malicious emails containing links or attachments designed to compromise user credentials or install malware are increasingly prevalent. Robust security awareness training for employees is vital.
• Exploitation of known vulnerabilities: Attackers are actively scanning for and exploiting known vulnerabilities in older SharePoint versions. Regular patching and upgrading are non-negotiable.
• Lateral movement: Once initial access is gained, attackers often move laterally within the network, seeking access to sensitive data or critical systems. Strong network segmentation and access controls are essential.

Responding to Active Exploitations:

If you suspect your on-premises SharePoint environment is under attack, immediate action is crucial. Follow these steps:

1. Isolate the affected system(s): Disconnect the compromised system(s) from the network to prevent further spread of the attack.
2. Conduct a thorough investigation: Identify the source of the breach, the extent of the compromise, and the data potentially affected. Engage a cybersecurity incident response team if necessary. This often requires advanced forensic analysis.
3. Restore from backups: Restore affected systems and data from known good backups. Ensure your backups are regularly tested and readily accessible.
4. Patch and update: Apply all relevant security patches and updates to your SharePoint environment and related systems. Prioritize critical updates immediately.
5. Strengthen security controls: Implement and strengthen security measures, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), robust access control lists (ACLs), and regular security audits. Consider implementing advanced threat protection solutions.
6. Monitor network activity: Implement robust network monitoring tools to detect suspicious activity and prevent future attacks.

Proactive Security Measures:

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are key proactive steps to mitigate the risk of SharePoint exploitation:

• Regular patching: Stay up-to-date with the latest Microsoft security patches for SharePoint. Automate the patching process wherever possible.
• Strong password policies: Enforce strong password policies and encourage the use of password managers.
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all SharePoint users to enhance security.
• Regular security audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities.
• Security awareness training: Educate users about phishing and other social engineering tactics.
• Network segmentation: Segment your network to limit the impact of a successful breach.
• Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS): Deploy IDPS to detect and prevent malicious activity.

Conclusion:

The threat landscape for on-premises SharePoint is constantly evolving. Staying vigilant, implementing robust security measures, and responding swiftly to incidents are essential for protecting your valuable data and maintaining business continuity. Ignoring these threats is no longer an option; proactive and reactive measures are vital for safeguarding your organization. Consider consulting with a cybersecurity professional to assess your specific risks and develop a comprehensive security plan tailored to your environment. Don't wait until it's too late; secure your SharePoint environment today.