Microsoft SharePoint Security Misconfiguration Scanner

Microsoft SharePoint is used worldwide by organizations for document management and storage, allowing team collaboration and sharing. It is extensively employed in businesses for enhancing communications and workflows through its various features like file sharing, team sites, and content management. SharePoint is commonly utilized in enterprise environments where sensitive information and internal operations need to be managed efficiently. The platform can be used on-premises or as part of a cloud solution, making it flexible and adaptive to different infrastructure needs. SharePoint's integration capabilities with other Microsoft products, like Office and Teams, make it a vital tool for office productivity. The product's ability to support custom applications and branding ensures it can be tailored to organizational needs.

This scanner detects Security Misconfiguration vulnerabilities in SharePoint by identifying exposed login and authentication endpoints. Security Misconfigurations occur when critical security settings are left in default or improperly configured, potentially exposing sensitive data or systems to unauthorized access. Detecting such vulnerabilities is vital for maintaining the security posture of an organization using SharePoint environments. When these entry points are exposed, it may allow attackers to perform unauthorized access or launch further attacks on connected systems. The scanner's automated detection assists in early identification and remediation of these misconfigurations to avert exploitation. By assessing these exposures, firms can ensure their sensitive data and networks remain secure from unauthorized access.

In technical terms, the detection process targets specific HTTP endpoints used by SharePoint's authentication services. The scanner navigates through known paths such as '/_layouts/15/Authenticate.aspx' to detect Microsoft SharePoint login pages. It employs HTTP header analysis to confirm the presence of SharePoint services using signature responses like 'MicrosoftSharePointTeamServices'. The scanner is built to identify response codes, primarily looking for status 401, indicating a page requiring authentication. It checks for patterns in headers to ascertain that the endpoints are indeed linked to SharePoint services. The tool can handle host redirects and stop at the first positive match, ensuring efficient resource use.

Exploiting misconfigured endpoints could potentially lead to unauthorized access, data leakage, and an increased attack surface. Attackers could use exposed login pages to initiate credential stuffing or brute-force attacks, escalating into more severe security breaches. Sensitive information, if unprotected, could be harvested, leading to data breaches or compliance violations. Misconfigurations might also expose administrative panels inadvertently, increasing risk factors for the organization. If exploited, these vulnerabilities are critical as adversaries could escalate privileges, manipulate data, or disrupt operations. The organization's reputation and trust could be significantly affected if such issues are not addressed promptly.

REFERENCES

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/authentication
• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/security-for-sharepoint-server/plan-for-administrative-and-service-accounts
• https://github.com/danielmiessler/SecLists/blob/master/Discovery/Web-Content/CMS/Sharepoint-Ennumeration.txt