CVE-2025-53771 in SharePoint Enterprise Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2025
Improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory ('path traversal') in Microsoft Office SharePoint allows an authorized attacker to perform spoofing over a network.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-53771 represents a critical path traversal flaw within Microsoft Office SharePoint that enables authorized attackers to exploit improper pathname limitations and execute network-based spoofing operations. This weakness resides in the SharePoint platform's handling of file paths and directory access controls, creating a scenario where legitimate users can manipulate path references to access restricted resources beyond their intended scope. The vulnerability specifically affects the authorization mechanisms that should prevent users from navigating to directories outside of their designated access boundaries.
Path traversal vulnerabilities occur when applications fail to properly validate or sanitize user-supplied input that contains directory path information. In the context of SharePoint, this flaw manifests when the system does not adequately restrict pathname resolution to maintain proper directory boundaries. The vulnerability allows attackers to construct malicious path sequences that bypass normal access controls, potentially enabling them to access files, directories, or resources that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. This weakness directly violates the principle of least privilege and can result in unauthorized data exposure or system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-53771 extends beyond simple data access violations as it enables sophisticated network-based spoofing attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to manipulate SharePoint's directory traversal mechanisms and potentially impersonate legitimate users or systems within the network infrastructure. The spoofing capability represents a significant escalation from basic unauthorized access, as it allows adversaries to create false identities or modify system behavior in ways that can persist undetected. This vulnerability can be particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SharePoint serves as a central collaboration and document management platform, potentially exposing sensitive corporate data or enabling further lateral movement within the network.
Microsoft Office SharePoint systems that implement inadequate input validation for pathname parameters create an attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the path traversal flaw to perform unauthorized operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which specifically addresses improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078.101 for valid accounts and T1566 for spearphishing with a malicious attachment, as attackers may use this vulnerability to establish persistent access or deliver additional malicious payloads through compromised SharePoint environments. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through official Microsoft security updates, implement additional input validation measures, and conduct thorough security assessments of their SharePoint deployments to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities that could enable unauthorized access or spoofing operations.