CVE-2024-47406 Overview
CVE-2024-47406 is a critical authentication bypass vulnerability affecting Sharp and Toshiba Tec multifunction printers (MFPs). The vulnerability stems from improper processing of HTTP authentication requests, allowing unauthenticated attackers to bypass security controls and gain unauthorized access to affected devices over the network.
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-288 (Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel) and CWE-306 (Missing Authentication for Critical Function), indicating fundamental flaws in the authentication architecture of these enterprise printing devices.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote attackers can bypass authentication controls on affected Sharp and Toshiba Tec MFPs, potentially gaining full administrative access to devices that often handle sensitive documents and are connected to corporate networks.
Affected Products
- Toshiba Tec e-STUDIO 908/1058/1208 series firmware
- Sharp BP series MFPs (BP-90C70, BP-90C80, BP-70C65, BP-70C55, BP-70C45, and numerous other models)
- Sharp MX series MFPs (MX-8081, MX-7081, MX-6071, MX-5071, and extensive other models across multiple product lines)
Discovery Timeline
- October 25, 2024 - CVE-2024-47406 published to NVD
- November 5, 2024 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-47406
Vulnerability Analysis
The authentication bypass vulnerability in Sharp and Toshiba Tec MFPs represents a significant security risk for enterprise environments. Multifunction printers typically serve as network-connected devices that handle sensitive documents including confidential business communications, financial records, and personally identifiable information.
The flaw exists in how the affected devices process HTTP authentication requests. When authentication mechanisms fail to properly validate or enforce authentication requirements, attackers can craft malicious requests that bypass security controls entirely. This allows unauthorized access without requiring valid credentials.
The vulnerability is particularly concerning because MFPs often occupy trusted positions within corporate networks. Compromised devices can serve as pivot points for lateral movement, provide access to cached documents and credentials, or be used to intercept sensitive print jobs.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2024-47406 lies in improper HTTP authentication request processing within the affected firmware. The devices fail to adequately validate authentication credentials or enforce authentication requirements for certain request paths, creating an alternate channel that bypasses intended security controls.
This represents a missing authentication check for critical functions (CWE-306) combined with an authentication bypass via alternate path (CWE-288). The firmware does not consistently require proper authentication before granting access to protected functionality.
Attack Vector
An attacker with network access to a vulnerable Sharp or Toshiba Tec MFP can exploit this vulnerability remotely without requiring any prior authentication or user interaction. The attack can be executed over the network by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the device's web interface.
The exploitation requirements are minimal:
- Network connectivity to the vulnerable device
- No authentication credentials required
- No user interaction needed
- Low attack complexity
Successful exploitation grants the attacker unauthorized access to the MFP's administrative functions, potentially allowing them to access stored documents, modify device configuration, intercept print jobs, or use the device as a foothold for further network attacks.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-47406
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual HTTP requests to MFP web interfaces that bypass authentication prompts
- Administrative configuration changes without corresponding legitimate login events
- Unexpected network traffic originating from MFP devices to internal or external hosts
- Access to document storage or print queues without valid user authentication
Detection Strategies
- Monitor network traffic to Sharp and Toshiba Tec MFPs for anomalous HTTP request patterns that may indicate authentication bypass attempts
- Review MFP access logs for administrative actions that lack corresponding authentication events
- Implement network segmentation monitoring to detect unusual outbound connections from printer devices
- Deploy web application firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block malformed authentication requests targeting MFP web interfaces
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging on all affected MFP devices and forward logs to a centralized SIEM solution
- Establish baseline network behavior for MFP devices and alert on deviations, particularly unauthorized administrative access
- Implement network monitoring for MFP subnets to detect potential lateral movement following device compromise
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-47406
Immediate Actions Required
- Identify all Sharp and Toshiba Tec MFPs in your environment and verify their firmware versions against affected product lists
- Isolate vulnerable devices on separate network segments with restricted access until patches can be applied
- Disable remote web administration interfaces where possible until firmware updates are deployed
- Implement network access controls (ACLs) to limit which hosts can communicate with MFP web interfaces
Patch Information
Sharp and Toshiba Tec have released security advisories addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the following vendor resources for specific firmware update information:
Contact your Sharp or Toshiba Tec service representative to obtain and deploy the appropriate firmware updates for your specific device models.
Workarounds
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate MFPs from sensitive network segments and limit exposure to potential attackers
- Disable unnecessary network services and web interfaces on affected devices until patches can be applied
- Configure firewall rules to restrict access to MFP management interfaces to only authorized administrator IP addresses
- Enable any available additional authentication mechanisms or access controls on the devices as compensating controls
# Example network ACL to restrict MFP web interface access
# Apply on network infrastructure to limit HTTP/HTTPS access to MFPs
# Allow only authorized admin workstations
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s 10.1.1.100/32 -d 10.2.2.0/24 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -s 10.1.1.100/32 -d 10.2.2.0/24 -j ACCEPT
# Deny all other HTTP/HTTPS access to MFP subnet
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -d 10.2.2.0/24 -j DROP
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 443 -d 10.2.2.0/24 -j DROP
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
