The Salesforce ecosystem has once again come under the scanner as cybercriminals found a new way to exploit vulnerabilities. In a recent attack, hackers used the Salesloft Drift integration to compromise Salesforce instances and exfiltrate sensitive customer data. This incident serves as a wake-up call for every organization that relies on third-party applications to streamline their Salesforce workflows.
How the Hack Unfolded
The attack did not target Salesforce directly but instead leveraged OAuth tokens from Salesloft Drift. By compromising these integrations, hackers gained unauthorized access to Salesforce customer data. Cybersecurity experts identified the hacker group UNC6395 as the one responsible for the breach. Their method was highly sophisticated:
- They stole valid OAuth tokens linked to Salesforce and other enterprise applications.
- They then used these tokens to access sensitive credentials, including AWS keys, Snowflake tokens, and authentication cookies.
- To avoid detection, attackers carefully deleted certain jobs while leaving logs untouched, making the intrusion appear normal.
This breach highlights a critical reality: the weakest link in Salesforce security is often not Salesforce itself but the connected apps.
Why Third-Party Integrations Pose a Risk
Organizations integrate Salesforce with dozens of tools for marketing, analytics, communication, and automation. While these integrations enhance productivity, they also expand the attack surface. Each connected app, if not monitored properly, can become a backdoor for attackers.
In this case, Salesloft Drift acted as the entry point. The attackers exploited the trust placed in this app to bypass direct Salesforce defenses. Once inside, they could move laterally and steal high-value information.
Salesforce’s Response
Salesforce moved quickly to contain the damage. The company revoked compromised tokens, removed Salesloft Drift from the AppExchange, and advised customers to audit their connected applications. Security teams also emphasized the importance of rotating OAuth tokens and limiting unnecessary scopes.
While Salesforce acted swiftly, this incident raises broader questions about how enterprises manage app integrations. A reactive response can stop one attack, but only a proactive security strategy can prevent future breaches.
What Organizations Should Do Now
If your Salesforce environment uses third-party integrations, this is the time to strengthen your defenses. Here are actionable steps every admin and security team should take:
- Audit All OAuth Integrations – Review every app connected to Salesforce. Remove unused apps, limit access scopes, and verify vendor trustworthiness.
- Rotate Tokens Regularly – Do not allow OAuth tokens to remain active indefinitely. Implement automated token expiration and renewal policies.
- Monitor API Usage – Enable real-time alerts for unusual API activity, such as large data exports or repeated failed authentications.
- Limit Permissions – Apply the principle of least privilege. Only grant the access that an app truly requires.
- Conduct Security Reviews – Schedule regular penetration tests and security reviews for all connected apps.
- Educate Teams – Ensure administrators, developers, and end users understand the risks of app integrations and know how to recognize suspicious behavior.
The Bigger Picture: Trust but Verify
This incident is more than a single hack, it is a lesson in digital trust. Businesses rely on integrations to maximize the power of Salesforce, but each new connection is also a new responsibility. Security is no longer just about protecting the core platform. It is about managing the entire ecosystem.
For Salesforce customers, the key takeaway is clear: do not assume that an AppExchange listing guarantees security forever. Continuous monitoring, proactive defense, and token hygiene are essential for safeguarding customer data.
Conclusion
The Salesloft Drift hack clearly shows that even the most secure platforms can be broken by weaker connections. Salesforce responded quickly, but true protection lies in how organizations manage their third-party integrations.
By auditing apps, rotating tokens, and monitoring unusual activity, businesses can reduce risks and build resilience. In a world where attackers constantly look for new ways to infiltrate systems, vigilance is the best defense.
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