Threat actors exploit SharePoint flaws to access internal systems, steal sensitive data, and carry out surveillance, impersonation, and extortion.

A China-linked threat actor has been observed exploiting SharePoint servers to deliver ransomware, according to Microsoft researchers, in the latest sign of worsening attacks against on-premises SharePoint Server customers.

In a blog post Tuesday, Microsoft said it observed hackers attempting to “gain initial access to target organizations.” According to Microsoft, those involved included hacking groups called Linen Typhoon and Violet Typhoon—which Microsoft said are linked to the Chinese government—and China-based group Storm-2603.