overview
CVE-2025-29827 is a critical vulnerability affecting Microsoft's Azure Automation service. The flaw involves improper authorization handling that allows an attacker with valid authorization credentials to escalate their privileges within the Azure environment. The vulnerability is rated with a CVSS score of 9.9 (Critical) and an EPSS score of 0.81, reflecting both its severity and high likelihood of exploitation.
Description
The vulnerability stems from weaknesses in Azure Automation's access control mechanisms. Specifically, it fails to adequately enforce restrictions on the actions that authenticated users are permitted to perform. This insufficient authorization check opens a gap that can be exploited by any attacker already possessing Azure Automation credentials to perform privileged tasks beyond their assigned role.
Potential Impact
Successful exploitation of CVE-2025-29827 allows attackers to: - Modify or create automation runbooks and configuration scripts. - Access sensitive configuration data or credentials stored within Automation accounts. - Create, change, or delete system resources throughout an organization’s cloud workloads.
The risk is significantly increased in enterprise environments where Azure Automation accounts are often configured with broad administrative privileges. This widespread adoption and privilege assignment amplify the potential impact of the vulnerability.
Exploitation Method
For an attacker to exploit this flaw, they must:
- Possess valid authorization credentials to the target Azure Automation environment. 2. Use these credentials—via automation runbooks, misconfigured role assignments, or REST API calls—to perform actions beyond their rightful access level.
This is a network-level attack targeting authorization controls, not authentication mechanisms.
Affected Products and Versions
- Impacted Software: Microsoft Azure Automation service
- Vulnerable Versions: All versions prior to the security update released in May 2025 (specific version numbers are not provided in public advisories)
- Patched Versions: Information on patched versions is not specified in currently available sources
Current Threat Status
There is currently no public evidence or confirmation of exploitation in the wild, and no reported incidents tied to this CVE as of the most recent advisories. Nevertheless, given the high ratings for both CVSS and EPSS, the vulnerability represents a significant risk that organizations should address as a matter of urgency.
INDICATORS OF COMPROMISE (IOCS)
IOC Status
- Unusual Access Patterns: Look for unexpected access patterns or activities from users who typically have lower privileges.
- Configuration Changes: Investigate any unauthorized changes to Azure Automation configurations or settings
Key Vulnerability Details
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-29827
- Vulnerability Name: Azure Automation Privilege Elevation
- CVSS Base Score: 9.9 (Critical)
- Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:L
- Published: May 8, 2025
- Updated: May 8, 2025
Technical Background
This CWE-285: Improper Authorization vulnerability primarily threatens multi-tenant and complex Azure deployments, allowing authenticated users with minimal access to potentially escalate their privileges. Common exploitation vectors include: - Automation runbooks - Misconfigured role assignments - REST API calls that bypass intended access restrictions.
Recommended Actions
Organizations using Azure Automation should:
- Apply available security patches and updates without delay
- Review and restrict role assignments and permissions for automation accounts
- Implement the principle of least privilege wherever possible
- Audit and monitor Azure Automation activities for anomalies
- Ensure comprehensive logging is enabled for all related Azure services
Ongoing Monitoring
Advanced threat detection and response services like Avertium’s TDR provide XDR-informed monitoring for signs of privilege escalation or suspicious activities in Azure environments, allowing rapid response to emerging threats.
MITRE ATT&CK ttPS
A mapping of relevant MITRE ATT&CK techniques highlights how attackers could exploit CVE-2025-29827:
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Tactic
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Technique ID
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Technique Name
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Explanation
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Privilege Escalation
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T1068
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Exploitation for Privilege Escalation
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Exploiting improper authorization to gain higher privileges in Azure Automation.
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Defense Evasion
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T1070
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Indicator Removal on Host
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Clearing logs or artifacts post-escalation to evade detection.
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Discovery
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T1087
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Account Discovery
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Enumerating accounts and privileges after elevation to facilitate further attack steps.
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Lateral Movement
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T1550
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Use Alternate Authentication Material
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Using stolen credentials or tokens to access other Azure resources.
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|
Impact
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T1496
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Resource Hijacking
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Running unauthorized automation tasks, such as cryptomining, using elevated privileges.
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Attackers may follow a sequence starting with privilege escalation (T1068), then seek to hide evidence (T1070), discover further accounts (T1087), move laterally within the cloud environment (T1550), and ultimately abuse cloud resources for malicious purposes (T1496).
additional Recommendations + information
Immediate Mitigation Measures
- Review and tightly restrict permissions for all Azure Automation accounts, applying least privilege principles.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all users, especially those with administrative or automation privileges.
- Use Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to enforce granular permission sets and periodically audit for excessive access.
- Disable or restrict “Run As” accounts or hybrid workers unless essential; favor managed identities over local authentication.
- Remove or rotate unused credentials, certificates, and sensitive variables in Automation accounts.
- Restrict public internet exposure of Automation endpoints using firewalls and NSG rules.
Patch and System Monitoring
- Apply all Microsoft security patches addressing CVE-2025-29827 as soon as possible; monitor for new advisories if no patch is available.
- Enable continuous monitoring with Azure Defender for Cloud, Azure Sentinel, or other SIEM solutions to detect anomalies, suspicious runbook executions, or privilege escalation attempts.
- Ensure all Automation activities are logged, securely stored, and promptly reviewed for signs of misuse.
Network Security Enhancements
- Use NSG and Azure Firewall to restrict Automation access to trusted IPs, blocking public or untrusted network sources.
- Implement network segmentation and Zero Trust principles to separate Automation environments from sensitive workloads.
- Disable public RDP/SSH access; use private endpoints or Azure Bastion for management.
- Enable intrusion detection/prevention systems and closely monitor any unpatched or vulnerable Automation resources for abnormal behaviors.
ADDITIONAL SERVICE OFFERINGS
Attack Surface Management (ASM)
Avertium’s ASM services help prevent exploitation by:
- Scanning Azure Automation configurations for improper authorization
- Reviewing role assignments for excessive privileges
- Conducting regular vulnerability assessments
- Developing remediation strategies for any gaps found
Threat Detection & Response (TDR)
Avertium’s proactive TDR services integrate all aspects of security into an XDR-informed program. Capabilities include:
- Monitoring Azure identity and access management for suspicious activities
- Real-time detection and notification of privilege changes
- Deployment of custom rules to identify privilege escalation techniques
- 24/7 analysis by a specialized SOC team trained in cloud security
Microsoft Security Solutions
Avertium’s Microsoft Security services deliver protection tailored to Azure environments, including:
- Security architecture assessment focused on privilege management in Azure
- Implementation of least privilege access across automation workflows
- Continuous monitoring and alerting for privilege escalation attempts
- Integration with Microsoft Defender for Cloud to strengthen Azure security posture
Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
Avertium’s GRC services help maintain secure Azure configurations and reduce privilege misuse by:
- Developing Azure-specific security policies and procedures
- Implementing compliance frameworks for proper authorization controls
- Conducting regular security audits focused on privilege management
- Providing comprehensive enterprise risk management
Cyber Fusion Approach
Avertium’s cyber fusion engine unites threat intelligence, compliance, and security operations for a holistic Azure defense strategy:
- Integrates threat intelligence with Azure monitoring
- Aligns compliance with operational practices
- Automates threat response for rapid mitigation - Provides specialized cloud security expertise
Implementation Recommendations
Avertium recommends:
- Microsoft Security optimization for proper Azure security controls and least privilege implementation
- Continuous monitoring and rapid response using TDR services
- Regular security assessments to detect and remediate misconfigurations
- Strategic alignment of cloud security with business objectives
By combining these practices and services, organizations can significantly reduce the risk from CVE-2025-29827 and enhance their Azure security posture.
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