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🔐 Ransomware Exploits Microsoft SharePoint: Over 400 Systems Hit Published: July 29, 2025 Author: CyberDudeBivash — Cybersecurity & AI Strategist Category: Ransomware | Microsoft | Nation-State Threats

Threats

🚨 Breaking: Warlock Ransomware Gang Targets Microsoft SharePoint

In a disturbing escalation of enterprise ransomware attacks, the Warlock ransomware group—a likely offshoot of the infamous Black Basta syndicate—has launched a large-scale offensive by exploiting vulnerabilities in Microsoft SharePoint servers.

Security researchers confirm over 400 compromised systems, many within U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, as well as global enterprises across sectors.

🧨 How the Attack Works

The attackers are exploiting known but unpatched CVEs in Microsoft SharePoint Server environments, using these flaws to:

  • ✅ Gain initial foothold via remote code execution

  • 📦 Deploy customized ransomware payloads

  • 👻 Establish persistence via lateral movement

  • 🧬 Maintain access—even post-patching—through hidden backdoors

⚠️ Key Exploited Vulnerability:

  • CVE-2023-29357 – SharePoint Server Elevation of Privilege

  • CVE-2024-21549 – Remote Code Execution in SharePoint API endpoints

🎯 What Makes This Attack Dangerous?

  • 🧠 AI-assisted evasion: Warlock is using LLM-generated malware with obfuscated PowerShell and DLL injection to bypass EDRs.

  • 🕵️ Stealth dwell time: Threat actors linger undetected for weeks before payload detonation.

  • 💣 High-impact encryption: Data on SQL databases, internal file shares, and backups are being encrypted simultaneously.

  • 📬 Double extortion tactics: Victims are coerced with both data leaks and ransomware locks.

🛡️ CyberDudeBivash Defense Recommendations

🔒 Immediate Response

ActionDetails
Patch ManagementApply latest Microsoft SharePoint security updates
Threat HuntingInvestigate for indicators of persistence or lateral moves
Backdoor DetectionScan for unauthorized scheduled tasks or hidden services
File Integrity Monitoring (FIM)Enable real-time change detection on SharePoint directories

🧰 Tools for Detection

  • YARA rules tailored to Warlock payload variants

  • MITRE ATT&CK mapping for lateral movement and privilege escalation

  • Sysmon + Sigma rules for anomalous DLL loading or registry abuse

🤖 AI’s Role in Defense

At CyberDudeBivash, we advocate AI-powered cyber defense to beat AI-powered threats:

  • 🧠 AI-driven anomaly detection for network and SharePoint log anomalies

  • ⚙️ Automated playbooks to isolate infected hosts on detection

  • 📈 Predictive analytics to detect ransomware command structure in real time

🧠 Expert Insight

“Patching alone is no longer enough. Once Warlock actors infiltrate your system, they bury deep, automate persistence, and exfiltrate before encryption. Enterprises need active monitoring, isolation protocols, and AI-supported defense layers.”
— CyberDudeBivash, Cybersecurity & AI Defense Expert

🌐 Final Thoughts

Ransomware isn’t going away—but your vulnerability posture can.
Microsoft SharePoint is a high-value target, and today’s attacks prove that AI-assisted adversaries are already operational. Don’t wait until the lock screen appears.

🚨 Read. Patch. Monitor. Repeat.

🛡️ Visit CyberDudeBivash.com for:

  • Ransomware Threat Maps

  • AI Defense Tutorials

  • Daily CVE Alerts & Security Automation Tools

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