A critical security vulnerability in Microsoft 365's PDF export functionality has been discovered and subsequently patched, highlighting significant risks to sensitive enterprise data. The vulnerability, which earned its discoverer a $3,000 bounty from Microsoft's Security Response Center (MSRC), exposed a Local File Inclusion (LFI) attack vector that could potentially compromise confidential system information across multi-tenant environments.
The security flaw was initially uncovered during a routine client assessment when a cybersecurity researcher was analyzing a web application that featured document conversion capabilities. The application utilized Microsoft's official APIs to transform various document formats into PDFs through SharePoint integration. During testing, the researcher identified an anomalous behavior that allowed unauthorized access to local system files during HTML-to-PDF conversion processes.
The vulnerability stemmed from an undocumented feature within Microsoft Graph APIs that enabled HTML-to-PDF conversion capabilities. While official documentation specified supported formats, including various Microsoft Office files (doc, docx, ppt, xlsx, etc.), the system also processed HTML content without proper security controls.
Attackers could exploit this weakness by embedding specific HTML tags—including
The attack methodology involved three straightforward steps: uploading a crafted HTML file via Graph API, requesting PDF conversion, and downloading the resulting document containing embedded local file content. The researcher demonstrated the vulnerability's effectiveness by successfully extracting common system files such as
Organizations using Microsoft 365 services should ensure their systems are updated with the latest security patches to protect against similar vulnerabilities.
Historically, vulnerabilities in document processing functionalities have been a recurring security concern. For instance, in 2016, Microsoft addressed multiple Windows PDF information disclosure vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to read information in the context of the current user (learn.microsoft.com). Similarly, in 2014, Microsoft released a security update to resolve vulnerabilities in Microsoft Word and Office Web Apps that could allow remote code execution if a specially crafted file was opened or previewed (learn.microsoft.com).
These examples illustrate the ongoing challenges in securing document processing features and the necessity for continuous vigilance and prompt patching to mitigate potential threats.
Source: gbhackers.com Microsoft 365 PDF Export Feature Vulnerable to LFI – Sensitive Data at Risk
Discovery and Initial Investigation
The security flaw was initially uncovered during a routine client assessment when a cybersecurity researcher was analyzing a web application that featured document conversion capabilities. The application utilized Microsoft's official APIs to transform various document formats into PDFs through SharePoint integration. During testing, the researcher identified an anomalous behavior that allowed unauthorized access to local system files during HTML-to-PDF conversion processes.Upload of the Malicious HTML File via the Graph API
What made this discovery particularly significant was the revelation that the vulnerability existed within Microsoft's core infrastructure rather than the client's custom implementation. The client's development team confirmed they were merely using a wrapper around Microsoft's official APIs, prompting the researcher to escalate the findings directly to Microsoft's security team.The vulnerability stemmed from an undocumented feature within Microsoft Graph APIs that enabled HTML-to-PDF conversion capabilities. While official documentation specified supported formats, including various Microsoft Office files (doc, docx, ppt, xlsx, etc.), the system also processed HTML content without proper security controls.
Attackers could exploit this weakness by embedding specific HTML tags—including
<embed>, <object>, and <iframe>—within malicious HTML documents. These tags could force the inclusion of local server files into the resulting PDF output, effectively bypassing traditional file system security boundaries.The attack methodology involved three straightforward steps: uploading a crafted HTML file via Graph API, requesting PDF conversion, and downloading the resulting document containing embedded local file content. The researcher demonstrated the vulnerability's effectiveness by successfully extracting common system files such as
web.config and win.ini files, proving the concept's viability in real-world scenarios.Microsoft's Response and Remediation
Microsoft classified the vulnerability as "Important" severity and has since implemented comprehensive remediation measures. The four-month investigation period concluded with the $3,000 bounty award, acknowledging the researcher's contribution to enterprise security.Organizations using Microsoft 365 services should ensure their systems are updated with the latest security patches to protect against similar vulnerabilities.
Broader Implications and Historical Context
This incident underscores the critical importance of rigorous security assessments, especially when integrating third-party APIs into enterprise applications. It also highlights the potential risks associated with undocumented features within widely used platforms.Historically, vulnerabilities in document processing functionalities have been a recurring security concern. For instance, in 2016, Microsoft addressed multiple Windows PDF information disclosure vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to read information in the context of the current user (learn.microsoft.com). Similarly, in 2014, Microsoft released a security update to resolve vulnerabilities in Microsoft Word and Office Web Apps that could allow remote code execution if a specially crafted file was opened or previewed (learn.microsoft.com).
These examples illustrate the ongoing challenges in securing document processing features and the necessity for continuous vigilance and prompt patching to mitigate potential threats.
Recommendations for Organizations
To safeguard against similar vulnerabilities, organizations should consider the following measures:- Regular Security Assessments: Conduct thorough security evaluations of all applications, especially those integrating third-party APIs, to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities.
- Stay Informed: Keep abreast of security advisories and updates from software vendors to ensure timely application of patches.
- Limit Exposure: Restrict the use of undocumented or unsupported features within APIs and software platforms to minimize potential attack vectors.
- Implement Least Privilege Principles: Ensure that applications and services operate with the minimum necessary permissions to reduce the impact of potential exploits.
Source: gbhackers.com Microsoft 365 PDF Export Feature Vulnerable to LFI – Sensitive Data at Risk
