CVE-2022-24673 in imageCLASS MF644Cdw
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2023
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw 10.02 printers. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the implementation of the SLP protocol. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length stack-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-15845.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2026
The CVE-2022-24673 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw printers running firmware version 10.02 and potentially other affected models. This vulnerability operates at the network protocol level through the Service Location Protocol implementation, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication for exploitation. The flaw resides in the printer's handling of SLP messages, specifically within how the device processes user-supplied data during protocol communication. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the length of incoming data before copying it into a fixed-size stack-based buffer. This classic buffer overflow condition creates an opportunity for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations and potentially redirect execution flow. The security implications are severe as the vulnerability allows remote code execution with root privileges, effectively granting attackers complete control over the affected printer systems. The absence of authentication requirements means that any remote attacker with network access to the printer can exploit this vulnerability without needing valid credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows the well-established pattern of stack-based buffer overflows commonly documented in CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions. The flaw manifests when the SLP protocol handler receives malformed data packets containing oversized payloads that exceed the predetermined buffer size allocated on the stack. This condition creates a predictable memory corruption scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other critical program state information. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1210 - Exploitation of Remote Services, as it exploits a network service to achieve remote code execution. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution as it operates at the system level with root privileges, potentially allowing attackers to install persistent backdoors, modify system configurations, or access sensitive data stored on the printer. The SLP protocol implementation in these devices lacks proper bounds checking mechanisms, making it susceptible to this type of memory corruption attack.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-24673 affects organizations that deploy Canon imageCLASS MF644Cdw printers in their network infrastructure, particularly those without proper network segmentation or firewall rules restricting access to printer services. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access points within network environments, potentially using the compromised printers as launching platforms for further attacks against internal systems. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require specialized tools or extensive knowledge of the target system, making it accessible to a broad range of threat actors including those with limited technical expertise. Organizations may face significant operational disruption as compromised printers could be used to intercept network traffic, modify print jobs, or serve as entry points for lateral movement within the network. The root-level execution capability means that attackers can potentially modify the printer's firmware, access stored print jobs, or use the device as a pivot point to attack other network resources. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous SLP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, though the vulnerability's nature makes detection challenging due to the legitimate protocol usage patterns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-24673 should focus on immediate network-level protections combined with firmware updates from Canon. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate printer devices from critical network segments and deploy firewall rules that restrict access to SLP ports and other printer-related services. The most effective long-term solution involves applying the firmware update provided by Canon to address the underlying buffer overflow condition in the SLP protocol implementation. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary printer services and implementing network access controls that limit which systems can communicate with printer devices. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual SLP protocol behavior and potential exploitation attempts through anomalous packet sizes or malformed data patterns. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation in network services and demonstrates how protocol implementation flaws can create severe security risks. Organizations should also consider implementing network intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on potential buffer overflow exploitation attempts targeting printer services. Regular vulnerability assessments of networked devices should include evaluation of protocol implementations to identify similar buffer overflow conditions that may exist in other network services or embedded systems.