CVE-2018-0916 in SharePoint Enterprise Server
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Project Server 2013 SP1 and Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016 allow an elevation of privilege vulnerability to due how specially crafted web requests are sanitized, aka "Microsoft SharePoint Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability". This CVE is unique from CVE-2018-0909, CVE-2018-0910. CVE-2018-0911, CVE-2018-0912, CVE-2018-0913 CVE-2018-0914, CVE-2018-0915, CVE-2018-0917, CVE-2018-0921, CVE-2018-0923, CVE-2018-0944 and CVE-2018-0947.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2021
The Microsoft SharePoint Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-0916 represents a critical security flaw affecting Microsoft Project Server 2013 SP1 and Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016. This vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of specially crafted web requests within the affected software platforms, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate their privileges within the system. The flaw specifically manifests in how the software processes incoming web requests, failing to properly validate and sanitize input parameters that could contain malicious content designed to exploit the privilege escalation mechanism.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of web request parameters that are processed by the SharePoint server infrastructure. When specially crafted requests are submitted to the affected systems, the sanitization routines fail to adequately filter or validate the input data, allowing malicious payloads to bypass security controls. This weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially gaining access to sensitive data, modifying system configurations, or establishing persistent access within the network environment. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the authentication and authorization mechanisms that govern user permissions within SharePoint environments.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on SharePoint and Project Server platforms for business operations. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to confidential project data, financial information, and business-critical documents stored within these systems. The privilege escalation capability allows attackers to move laterally within the network, potentially accessing additional systems and resources beyond the initial compromised SharePoint server. Organizations may experience data breaches, compliance violations, and operational disruptions as a result of this vulnerability. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where SharePoint servers serve as central repositories for sensitive business information and collaborative workspaces.
Security professionals should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability effectively. Immediate remediation involves applying the official Microsoft security patches and updates released to address CVE-2018-0916. Network segmentation and access controls should be enhanced to limit exposure of affected servers to untrusted networks. Implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify potential attack vectors and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege access controls and monitoring for suspicious authentication activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic example of how inadequate sanitization routines can create security weaknesses in web applications. The attack pattern follows the MITRE ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of application vulnerabilities to gain elevated system privileges. Organizations should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability, including unusual authentication patterns, unexpected privilege changes, and anomalous network traffic originating from affected SharePoint servers. The unique nature of this CVE, distinct from the related vulnerabilities mentioned, underscores the importance of maintaining comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address each specific weakness individually rather than treating them as generic SharePoint security issues.