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A recent analysis has uncovered that Microsoft utilized engineers from China to sustain and assist with SharePoint software, the same collaborative platform that was recently breached by state-sponsored cyber attackers from China.
This finding elevates substantial concerns regarding cybersecurity strategies and potential insider threats within essential infrastructure systems utilized by numerous government entities and private corporations.
The cybersecurity incident, which was revealed by Microsoft last month, involved intricate assaults on SharePoint “OnPrem” installations commencing as early as July 7, 2025.
Chinese cybercriminals adeptly capitalized on weaknesses in the on-premises version of SharePoint, acquiring unauthorized access to computer networks spanning several prominent targets, such as the National Nuclear Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security.
The assault showcased advanced persistent threat capabilities, with the hackers preserving access even post Microsoft’s initial security patch release on July 8.
ProPublica analysts discovered the troubling operational framework via internal Microsoft work-tracking system screenshots, indicating that engineering teams based in China had been accountable for SharePoint upkeep and troubleshooting for several years.
This revelation introduces a concerning element to the security breach, as the same individuals tasked with upholding the software’s integrity may have unintentionally introduced vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit.
The technical range of the vulnerability was widespread, with the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency affirming that the exploits permitted attackers to “completely access SharePoint content, including file systems and internal configurations, and execute code over the network.”
The attack vector enabled remote code execution, effectively granting hackers administrative authority over compromised systems.
Persistence and Evasion Techniques
The SharePoint exploit illustrated refined persistence strategies that permitted attackers to retain access even after initial remedial actions.
When Microsoft launched its first security patch on July 8, the malicious actors swiftly modified their tactics to circumvent the newly established protections, compelling the company to devise additional “more robust protections” in following patches.
The persistence mechanism likely involved embedding harmful code within SharePoint’s configuration files while utilizing the platform’s extensive access capabilities across the file system.
Intruders could create backdoors by altering authentication modules or establishing concealed administrative accounts within the SharePoint framework. This strategy facilitated ongoing access to sensitive governmental and corporate data while remaining unnoticed by typical security surveillance tools.
Microsoft has acknowledged the security ramifications and declared intentions to relocate support operations based in China to other locations.
The company underscored that all operations were carried out under the supervision of U.S.-based personnel with obligatory security reviews, although experts question whether such oversight sufficiently addresses the inherent dangers associated with foreign personnel managing sensitive system maintenance.
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