Microsoft 365 'Direct Send' Exploited for Phishing Attacks by Internal Users

TL;DR

An ongoing phishing campaign is exploiting Microsoft 365’s “Direct Send” feature to evade email security measures and steal user credentials. This little-known feature allows attackers to send phishing emails that appear to come from internal users, making them harder to detect.

Microsoft 365 ‘Direct Send’ Feature Exploited in Phishing Campaign

An ongoing phishing campaign is leveraging a lesser-known feature in Microsoft 365 called “Direct Send” to bypass email security measures and steal user credentials. This feature, intended for legitimate use, is being abused to send phishing emails that appear to originate from internal users, making them more difficult to detect.

Understanding the ‘Direct Send’ Feature

The “Direct Send” feature in Microsoft 365 allows emails to be sent directly to users without passing through traditional email security checks. This feature is designed for specific use cases, such as sending emails from printers or other internal systems. However, cybercriminals have found a way to exploit this feature to send phishing emails that bypass standard security measures.

How the Phishing Campaign Operates

1. Exploiting ‘Direct Send’: Attackers use the “Direct Send” feature to send phishing emails that appear to come from internal users. This makes the emails seem more legitimate and increases the likelihood that users will fall for the scam.
2. Bypassing Security Measures: Because these emails bypass traditional security checks, they are more likely to reach the user’s inbox without being flagged as suspicious.
3. Stealing Credentials: The phishing emails often contain links to fake login pages designed to steal user credentials. Once the user enters their credentials, the attackers gain access to their accounts.

Implications for Cybersecurity

The exploitation of the “Direct Send” feature highlights the need for enhanced security measures in Microsoft 365. Organizations must be vigilant and implement additional security protocols to protect against such attacks. Users should be educated on how to recognize and avoid phishing attempts, even when they appear to come from internal sources.

Conclusion

The ongoing phishing campaign exploiting Microsoft 365’s “Direct Send” feature serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of cyber threats. Organizations must stay informed and adapt their security strategies to protect against these sophisticated attacks. Enhanced user education and robust security measures are essential to mitigate the risks associated with such exploits.

Additional Resources

For further insights, check:

• BleepingComputer Article

References