Microsoft has launched an internal investigation to determine whether an alert from its own cybersecurity systems inadvertently tipped off Chinese state-backed hackers about a SharePoint vulnerability. According to a report by Bloomberg, the tech giant is examining if hackers connected to Beijing learned of the SharePoint flaw through Microsoft's own internal disclosure channels or communications with partners.
Security Flaw Linked to Known Hacker Group
The vulnerability in question—CVE-2023-29357—was later used in targeted cyberattacks reportedly linked to Chinese espionage groups. Microsoft had issued a warning to its customers about the flaw as part of its routine patch management and advisory system. The company is now assessing whether these warnings unintentionally served as a roadmap for hackers to develop an exploit ahead of wider disclosure.
Concerns Over Internal Leak or Advisory Use
Sources familiar with the investigation indicated that Microsoft is not only reviewing its alerts but also scrutinizing how detailed security advisories may be used by malicious actors to reverse-engineer flaws. If confirmed, this would mark a serious gap in Microsoft’s threat disclosure process, potentially impacting how future vulnerabilities are communicated across the industry.
Global Security Community Alarmed
Cybersecurity analysts and U.S. government officials have expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the balance between transparency and operational security in threat intelligence sharing. Given Microsoft’s prominent role in global enterprise infrastructure, the situation has triggered broader discussions about how much technical detail should be included in public-facing security bulletins.
Microsoft Strengthening Security Protocols
In response to the report, Microsoft has stated it is “evaluating and refining” its internal processes to ensure vulnerability alerts are both effective and secure. The company emphasized that it regularly collaborates with national cybersecurity agencies to address risks and improve its resilience against sophisticated, nation-state threats.
No Official Confirmation Yet on Hacker Insight Source
While the investigation continues, Microsoft has not officially confirmed whether the Chinese threat actors gained access to internal information or derived their knowledge from public security advisories. Nonetheless, the case underscores the complexity and potential unintended consequences of information-sharing in the cybersecurity domain.