Unveiling the Microsoft Cross-Tenant Synchronization Attack: Abusing Native Functionality for Persistent Access

Hey Mck’s, in a world of never-ending cyber attacks cybercriminals are trying to increase the complexity of attacks in order to gain access to the systems. Today we are going to talk about such an attempt to break the confidentiality of the system, Microsoft’s own features have become a double-edged sword, offering attackers the means to achieve their goals without relying on traditional vulnerabilities. let’s delve into the intricacies of the Cross-Tenant Synchronization attack, shedding light on its potential implications.

Picture this: attackers are targeting Microsoft setups, not by smashing windows but by slyly using Microsoft’s own features. Instead of searching for security holes, they’re manipulating features that are supposed to be helpful. Take Nobelium, for example — the gang behind the SolarWinds attack. They’re getting cozy with features like creating Federated Trusts, which are basically digital keys for sneaking in. Hold on to your hat, because we’re revealing another trick. This one’s all about Cross-Tenant Synchronization (CTS). This fancy term is Microsoft’s way of letting different groups share data with their Microsoft stuff. But here’s the twist: attackers can waltz right in if someone messes up the settings.CTS is like a double-edged sword. It’s cool for big companies with many moving parts but also a playground for troublemakers. If they’re sneaky enough, they can poke around in other people’s business or even set up secret passages for later. The exploitation techniques follow the Assumed Compromise philosophy. The techniques used in these exploits assume that an identity has been compromised in a Microsoft cloud environment. In a real-world setting, this could originate from a browser compromise on an Intune-managed endpoint with a Microsoft-managed identity.

Well let’s see how this attack is performed:

1.Moving Sideways: Imagine the attackers are inside a place they shouldn’t be. They peek around and find other places they can go. CTS makes it easy to move from one place to another, kind of like hopping between apartments in the same building. Here are some pictures that show how this performs. 📷👀

Figure 1: Moving sideways attack Overview

2. The Secret Backdoor: Here’s the juicy part. The attackers in their secret lair can set up a fake CTS setup. They can say, “Hey, I’m from a trusted place,” and slip right in.

Figure 2: CTS Backdoor Attack Overview

Well it gets scary after knowing all of this but it doesn't mean that we don’t have any defense mechanisms to protect ourselves here are some defense measures we can take to avoid these types of attacks from happening.

• Lock Down the Entrance: If you’re letting people in, make sure it’s not a free-for-all. Think of it like checking IDs at the door — only let in the folks you know.
• Use Extra Locks: Combine CTS with some extra security steps. It’s like putting a deadbolt on your front door. Keep those sneaky types out!
• Keep Watch: Stay vigilant. Watch who’s coming in and out. If someone’s acting strange, it’s time to sound the alarm.

So, there you have it — attackers using Microsoft’s own features to pull a fast one. But fear not, with a bit of know-how and the right tools, we can stand our ground. It’s a digital game of cat and mouse, and it’s up to us to keep those cyber baddies at bay. Stay smart, stay safe!

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