Microsoft Foils Attempted Cloud Breach through SQL Server Instance
Security Researchers Expose SQL Injection Vulnerability
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October 04, 2023
Image by Reto Scheiwiller from Pixabay
In a recent report, Microsoft revealed details about a failed cyberattack campaign that aimed to breach a cloud environment through a SQL Server instance. The attack was thwarted by the tech giant's security measures, preventing the threat actors from moving laterally to cloud resources.
According to security researchers Sunders Bruskin, Hagai Ran Kestenberg, and Fady Nasereldeen, the attackers initially exploited a SQL injection vulnerability in an application within the target's environment. This allowed them to gain access and elevated permissions on a Microsoft SQL Server instance deployed in Azure Virtual Machine (VM).
In the next stage of the attack, the threat actors attempted to exploit the server's cloud identity, which possesses elevated permissions, to move laterally to additional cloud resources. By abusing the cloud identity, the attackers aimed to carry out various malicious actions in the cloud.
Fortunately, Microsoft's security measures prevented the attackers from successfully moving laterally to the cloud resources using this technique. The tech giant found no evidence suggesting that the threat actors were able to breach the cloud environment.
The researchers shed light on the use of managed identities in cloud services like Azure. These managed identities are allocated to various cloud resources and are used for authentication with other resources and services. By leveraging these identities, the attackers aimed to gain unauthorized access to the cloud environment.
The attack chain started with an SQL injection against the database server. This allowed the threat actors to run queries and gather information about the host, databases, and network configuration.
In the observed intrusions, it is suspected that the targeted application had elevated permissions, enabling the attackers to enable the xp_cmdshell option. This option allows the execution of operating system commands, facilitating the progression to the next phase of the attack.
In the subsequent stages, the attackers conducted reconnaissance, downloaded executables and PowerShell scripts, and established persistence through a scheduled task to initiate a backdoor script. However, Microsoft's robust security measures prevented data exfiltration, ensuring the protection of sensitive information.
This incident highlights the importance of robust security measures and proactive defense strategies in safeguarding cloud environments.
Microsoft's swift action and continuous monitoring prevented the breach and protected the integrity of the targeted cloud resources.
As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations must remain vigilant and prioritize cybersecurity measures. Regular vulnerability assessments, patch management, and employee awareness training are essential in preventing successful cyberattacks.
Microsoft's proactive approach to cybersecurity and its commitment to enhancing the security of its cloud services demonstrates the company's dedication to protecting its customers' data and maintaining a secure digital ecosystem.
By sharing details about this attempted breach, Microsoft aims to raise awareness and encourage organizations to adopt robust security measures to safeguard their cloud environments from evolving cyber threats.