CVE-2025-49701 is a high-severity vulnerability classified under CWE-285 (Improper Authorization) affecting Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016, specifically version 16.0.0. The vulnerability arises due to improper authorization controls within the SharePoint platform, which allow an attacker with some level of authorized access (low privileges) to execute arbitrary code remotely over the network without requiring user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability enables an attacker to bypass intended authorization restrictions, potentially escalating privileges or executing malicious payloads within the SharePoint environment. This could lead to full compromise of the SharePoint server, data exfiltration, or disruption of services. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation (network attack vector, low complexity, no user interaction) and the critical nature of the affected system make this a significant threat. SharePoint Enterprise Server is widely used in enterprise environments for collaboration, document management, and intranet portals, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous if exploited.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-49701 could be severe. SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016 is commonly deployed in large enterprises, government agencies, and critical infrastructure sectors across Europe. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate or governmental data, disruption of internal collaboration workflows, and potential lateral movement within networks. The compromise of SharePoint servers may expose confidential documents, intellectual property, and personal data protected under GDPR, leading to regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Additionally, availability impacts could disrupt business operations and critical services. Given the high privileges that can be gained, attackers could also use compromised SharePoint servers as a foothold for further attacks within European networks, increasing the risk of widespread breaches.

Organizations should prioritize patching and updating Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016 to the latest security updates as soon as Microsoft releases a patch for this vulnerability. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should implement strict access controls and review user permissions to minimize the number of users with any level of access to SharePoint. Network segmentation should be enforced to isolate SharePoint servers from less trusted networks and limit exposure. Monitoring and logging of SharePoint access and unusual activities should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts early. Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules tailored to detect anomalous SharePoint traffic can provide additional protection. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on SharePoint environments to identify and remediate authorization weaknesses proactively.