CVE-2024-49062 in SharePoint
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2024
Microsoft SharePoint Information Disclosure Vulnerability
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/08/2025
This vulnerability resides in Microsoft SharePoint Server software where improper input validation allows attackers to extract sensitive information through crafted requests that bypass normal access controls. The flaw enables unauthorized disclosure of data that should remain protected within the SharePoint environment, potentially exposing confidential documents, user credentials, or system configurations. Security researchers identified that certain API endpoints fail to properly validate user permissions before returning detailed responses, creating opportunities for information leakage attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied parameters within SharePoint's query processing mechanisms. When specific request parameters are manipulated to include unexpected values or malformed inputs, the system returns extended diagnostic information or detailed error messages that reveal internal system structures, file paths, or configuration details. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 which categorizes weaknesses related to improper information exposure and represents a critical concern for enterprise collaboration platforms where sensitive data is routinely processed and stored.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data leakage as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance information that can facilitate more sophisticated attacks. Security professionals have observed that compromised SharePoint systems often serve as initial access points for broader network infiltration attempts, with the leaked information enabling attackers to map internal network structures, identify system configurations, and plan targeted exploitation of other vulnerabilities. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SharePoint servers typically house critical business data and serve as central collaboration hubs.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including deploying Microsoft security patches and updates that address the specific input validation flaws within SharePoint Server components. Network segmentation strategies can help limit the potential impact by isolating SharePoint services from critical system components, while robust logging mechanisms should be configured to detect anomalous request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual API usage patterns will help identify when attackers attempt to leverage this vulnerability for information gathering purposes.
From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability directly impacts organizations operating under regulatory frameworks such as gdpr, hipaa, or soc 2 where data protection requirements mandate robust security controls to prevent unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. The flaw represents a violation of principle of least privilege and demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all SharePoint installations that may be affected, particularly those running older versions of the software that have not received recent security updates.
The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under initial access techniques where adversaries attempt to gather information about target systems through reconnaissance activities. This information gathering phase often precedes more destructive attacks such as privilege escalation or data exfiltration attempts. Security teams should consider implementing application firewalls and web application security controls that can detect and block suspicious parameter manipulation patterns commonly associated with this class of vulnerability.
Microsoft recommends that administrators review their SharePoint Server configurations to ensure that diagnostic features are properly disabled in production environments, particularly when debug mode is enabled or when detailed error responses are configured to be returned to clients. Regular security assessments should include testing for information disclosure vulnerabilities across all web applications and services within the environment, with particular attention to collaboration platforms that store sensitive business data. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect against multiple attack vectors simultaneously.
Organizations should also consider establishing incident response procedures specifically designed to handle information disclosure events, including protocols for identifying affected systems, assessing the scope of potential data exposure, and implementing containment measures to prevent further unauthorized access. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can create significant security risks when combined with other exploitation techniques, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive security testing and continuous monitoring of enterprise environments.