Hackers exploited a security flaw in common Microsoft Corp. software to breach governments, businesses and other organizations across the globe and steal sensitive information, according to officials and cybersecurity researchers.

Microsoft said in a post on its website on Saturday that it was “aware of active attacks targeting on-premises SharePoint Server customers by exploiting vulnerabilities.” SharePoint is a Microsoft platform that allows customers to manage and share documents within their organizations.

Microsoft issued an emergency fix to close off a vulnerability in its SharePoint software that hackers have exploited to carry out widespread attacks on businesses and at least some federal agencies.

An investigation is underway after hackers used a security flaw in Microsoft software to internationally infiltrate agencies and businesses over the weekend.

Microsoft said the company has been "coordinating closely with CISA, DOD Cyber Defense Command, and key cybersecurity partners around the world throughout our response."

Speaking on CNBC this afternoon, Madrona’s Matt McIlwain noted that he had been on the business news network a year ago with a contrarian call: bullish on Microsoft and Amazon, skeptical on Apple. For anyone who might have been tempted to see some hometown bias in his past perspective,