Navigating SharePoint Security with Confidence: Vulnerabilities, Impact, and Solutions

This piece was originally published on the AvePoint Blog

In the first half of 2025, Microsoft reported 14 vulnerabilities for on-premises SharePoint Server, including this week's incident and some critical Remote Code Execution issues. While 14 vulnerabilities may seem high, it's not an uncommon reality in today's complex digital landscape. 

However, SharePoint Online has remained free of similar critical vulnerabilities during the same period-illuminating security risks for on-premises SharePoint that do not exist in the cloud. In this post, we'll discuss the vulnerabilities affecting on-premises SharePoint since January 2025, explore their impact, and demonstrate how AvePoint can help secure your data.

Summary of SharePoint On-Premises Vulnerabilities (January 1, 2025 - July 21, 2025)

Since the start of 2025, 14 vulnerabilities have been reported for on-premises SharePoint Server including:

• 11 Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerabilities: Allowing attackers to run malicious code remotely.
• 2 Spoofing vulnerabilities: Enabling potential impersonation or deception attacks.
• 1 Elevation of Privilege vulnerability: Permitting attackers to gain higher access levels.

Among these, three RCE vulnerabilities were classified as Critical, indicating their potential to cause significant damage. Here is a summary of when Microsoft vulnerabilities were reported this year:

• January 14, 2025: 3 vulnerabilities (2 RCE, 1 Spoofing)
• February 11, 2025: 1 RCE vulnerability
• May 13, 2025: 4 vulnerabilities (3 RCE, 1 Elevation of Privilege)
• June 10, 2025: 3 RCE vulnerabilities
• July 8, 2025: 3 vulnerabilities (2 RCE, 1 Spoofing)
• July 19-20, 2025: 2 vulnerabilities (1 RCE, 1 Spoofing)

The steady stream of about two vulnerabilities per month highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining a secure on-premises environment.

The Impact: What These SharePoint Vulnerabilities Mean for You

• Security Risks: Remote Code Execution vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they can allow attackers to take control of your systems, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized access, or system downtime. Spoofing and Elevation of Privilege vulnerabilities, though less severe, can still enable attackers to bypass security measures or escalate their access.
• Operational Challenges: Each vulnerability requires timely patching, testing, and deployment. For system administrators, this means staying vigilant, often under tight timelines, to ensure systems are updated before exploits become public. The frequency of these updates can strain resources, especially for organizations with large or complex deployments.
• Unsupported Versions: If you're running older versions like SharePoint Server 2010 or 2013, which are no longer supported, your risk increases significantly. These systems won't receive patches, leaving them exposed to both known and emerging threats.

Consider the Cloud: A Proactive Option for the Future

AvePoint will secure your data with the same level of rigor whether its stored on premises or online. However, Microsoft's cloud-based model offers several advantages that can simplify security management: 

• Automatic Updates: Patches are applied seamlessly, reducing the window of exposure.
• Advanced Threat Protection: Built-in security features like encryption and centralized monitoring help safeguard your data.
• Reduced Administrative Burden: Offloading server management to Microsoft allows your team to focus on strategic initiatives rather than reactive maintenance.

We're not here to push you into the cloud; your on-premises setup is in good hands with Microsoft so long as you are following End of Life guidance and Patch Release schedules. But if you're looking for ways to reduce risk and simplify operations, consider migrating to SharePoint Online. 

SharePoint Security is a Journey, and We're with You

The 14 vulnerabilities reported since January 2025 are a reminder that security is an ongoing journey, not a one-time fix. While these events are more frequent than we'd like, they're a reality of today's digital world-but the good news is you're not facing them alone.

At AvePoint, we're committed to helping you navigate these challenges with confidence. Whether you choose to stay on-premises or explore the cloud, our migration solutions, backup and risk exposure platforms are available to ensure your SharePoint environment remains secure, compliant, and resilient.