CVE-2024-47856 is a critical vulnerability affecting RSA Authentication Agent versions prior to 7.4.7. The root cause is improper handling of service and shortcut paths that include spaces but lack surrounding quotation marks. Windows path resolution behavior can be exploited by an attacker who places a malicious executable in a directory higher in the path hierarchy than the legitimate executable. When the system attempts to execute the intended program, Windows resolves and runs the attacker's executable instead. This is a classic path interception attack, categorized under CWE-23 (Relative Path Traversal). The vulnerability allows an adversary with local access to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code with the permissions of the affected service, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 reflects its critical nature: it requires no privileges, no user interaction, and can be exploited remotely if local access is obtained. Although no public exploits are known yet, the vulnerability's characteristics make it a prime target for attackers aiming to bypass authentication mechanisms or gain persistence on critical systems. The lack of patch links suggests that remediation may require upgrading to version 7.4.7 or later once available. Organizations should audit their RSA Authentication Agent deployments, verify path configurations, and monitor for suspicious executable placements in directories involved in service or shortcut paths.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2024-47856 is substantial, especially those relying on RSA Authentication Agent for secure authentication in enterprise environments. Successful exploitation can lead to full system compromise, allowing attackers to bypass authentication controls, steal sensitive data, disrupt services, or move laterally within networks. Critical sectors such as finance, government, healthcare, and energy, which often use RSA solutions for multi-factor authentication, are at heightened risk. The vulnerability undermines trust in authentication infrastructure, potentially leading to regulatory non-compliance and financial losses. Given the critical CVSS score and ease of exploitation, attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent footholds or launch further attacks against European targets. The absence of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the threat landscape could rapidly evolve. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces may face increased exposure if local access controls are weak or endpoint security is insufficient.

1. Upgrade RSA Authentication Agent to version 7.4.7 or later as soon as the patch is available to ensure the vulnerability is addressed at the source. 2. In the interim, audit all service and shortcut paths used by RSA Authentication Agent for spaces not enclosed in quotation marks and correct them by adding proper quotations to prevent path interception. 3. Implement strict application whitelisting and execution policies to restrict execution of unauthorized binaries, especially in directories higher in the path hierarchy. 4. Monitor filesystem and directory changes in locations related to RSA Authentication Agent for unauthorized executable placements. 5. Enforce least privilege principles on accounts running RSA services to limit the impact of potential exploitation. 6. Use endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect suspicious process execution patterns indicative of path interception attacks. 7. Educate IT and security teams about the risks of path interception and the importance of secure path handling in Windows environments. 8. Regularly review and harden local access controls to reduce the risk of adversaries gaining the initial foothold required for exploitation.