Microsoft Azure Shared Key Misconfiguration Could Lead to RCE
Azure admins are urged to disable shared key access and implement Azure Active Directory authentication.
April 11, 2023
Abuse of shared key authorizations, a default on Azure storage accounts, could allow a threat actor to steal higher privileged access tokens, move laterally throughout the network, and execute remote code, aka RCE.
Researchers at Orca were able to demonstrate how an attacker could breach Microsoft Storage Accounts, but Microsoft's Security Response Center (MSRC) chalked it up to a misconfiguration rather than a vulnerability. MRSC did offer guidance to users to appropriately configure Azure Functions and "effectively deploy environments with the least privilege." The company said it is planning to address the issue as part of its regular "experience improvements."
Orca researchers urge IT teams to take the issue seriously, and added that even though Microsoft doesn't consider the potential privilege escalation a vulnerability, "This does not mean that it is less dangerous," Orca's report said. "Actually, it should be considered even more dangerous since there is no straightforward 'fix'."
Administrators are advised by Microsoft to:
Review user permissions to ensure least-privilege access
Monitor logs for account key access
Consider using a storage account dedicated to application code blob storage
Enable Microsoft Defender for Cloud (MDC) on storage accounts
About the Author(s)
You May Also Like
Beyond Spam Filters and Firewalls: Preventing Business Email Compromises in the Modern Enterprise
April 30, 2024Key Findings from the State of AppSec Report 2024
May 7, 2024Is AI Identifying Threats to Your Network?
May 14, 2024Where and Why Threat Intelligence Makes Sense for Your Enterprise Security Strategy
May 15, 2024Safeguarding Political Campaigns: Defending Against Mass Phishing Attacks
May 16, 2024
Black Hat USA - August 3-8 - Learn More
August 3, 2024Cybersecurity's Hottest New Technologies: What You Need To Know
March 21, 2024