CVE-2024-35260 in Power Platform
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2024
An authenticated attacker can exploit an Untrusted Search Path vulnerability in Microsoft Dataverse to execute code over a network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-35260 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within Microsoft Dataverse that enables authenticated attackers to achieve remote code execution. This flaw exists in the way Dataverse handles search paths during application execution, creating an avenue for malicious actors who have already established valid credentials to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability specifically impacts organizations utilizing Microsoft Dataverse as their data management platform, particularly those with interconnected systems that rely on proper path resolution for application functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of search paths within the Dataverse application framework. When legitimate users authenticate and interact with Dataverse services, the system processes various search paths to locate required components, libraries, or configuration files. An attacker with valid credentials can manipulate these search paths to redirect the application's execution flow toward malicious payloads. This occurs because the application fails to properly validate or sanitize the paths before using them, allowing for path injection attacks that can ultimately lead to code execution. The flaw operates at the intersection of path resolution and privilege escalation, where authenticated access becomes a prerequisite for exploitation but does not prevent the attacker from leveraging the application's path handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-35260 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the Dataverse environment that can be used for further lateral movement and data exfiltration. Organizations relying on Dataverse for business-critical applications face significant risk of unauthorized data access, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privilege separation is not adequately enforced. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, modify system configurations, or access sensitive business data stored within Dataverse. The impact is compounded by the fact that Dataverse often serves as a central data hub for Microsoft Power Platform solutions, potentially allowing attackers to pivot to other connected systems and applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-35260 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security enhancements. Microsoft has released security updates addressing this vulnerability, which organizations must apply promptly to eliminate the code execution risk. In addition to patch management, organizations should implement strict path validation controls and monitor for unusual path resolution patterns within their Dataverse environments. Network segmentation and principle of least privilege access controls can help limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of Dataverse configurations to identify any custom code or integrations that might be vulnerable to similar path manipulation attacks. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element and follows patterns commonly associated with path injection attacks that are catalogued in the ATT&CK framework under techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and enhanced monitoring for suspicious file access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts.