CVE-2025-11544 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-912 (Hidden Functionality) affecting numerous models of Sharp Display Solutions projectors. The root cause is improper validation of the firmware integrity check value, which allows an attacker to craft and deploy unauthorized firmware onto the device. This flaw effectively bypasses security controls designed to prevent tampering with the projector’s firmware, enabling full compromise of the device’s software environment. The vulnerability affects all versions of the listed projector models, which span a broad product range used globally. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (VC:H, VI:H, VA:H). The scope is high (SC:H), meaning the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially vulnerable component, and the security requirements for confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all high (SI:H, SA:H). Exploiting this vulnerability could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code at the firmware level, potentially leading to persistent backdoors, data leakage, or denial of service. The lack of authentication or user interaction requirements makes exploitation feasible remotely, increasing the risk profile. Although no public exploits are currently known, the extensive list of affected models and critical nature of the flaw necessitate urgent mitigation efforts.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-11544 is significant due to the widespread use of Sharp projectors in corporate, educational, governmental, and critical infrastructure environments. Unauthorized firmware execution can lead to complete device compromise, allowing attackers to manipulate projector operations, disrupt presentations, or pivot into internal networks. This could result in data breaches, espionage, or sabotage of business-critical functions. The vulnerability threatens confidentiality by exposing sensitive presentation content, integrity by allowing unauthorized changes to device behavior, and availability by potentially disabling projector functionality. Given the network attack vector and no requirement for user interaction, attackers could exploit this vulnerability remotely, increasing the risk of large-scale attacks. The broad product range affected means many organizations may have vulnerable devices in their AV infrastructure, often overlooked in security assessments. The potential for persistent firmware-level compromise also complicates detection and remediation, increasing operational risks and costs.

1. Immediately inventory all Sharp Display Solutions projector models in use to identify affected devices. 2. Monitor vendor communications closely for official firmware updates or patches addressing this vulnerability; apply them promptly once available. 3. Until patches are released, restrict network access to projectors by isolating them on segmented VLANs or dedicated networks to limit exposure. 4. Disable any remote management interfaces on projectors if not required to reduce attack surface. 5. Implement strict access controls and monitoring on networks where projectors operate to detect anomalous firmware update attempts or unusual device behavior. 6. Consider physical security controls to prevent unauthorized local access to projector firmware update ports. 7. Engage with Sharp Display Solutions support to obtain guidance on interim protective measures and firmware validation improvements. 8. Incorporate projector firmware integrity checks into regular security audits and vulnerability management processes. 9. Educate IT and AV teams about the risks and signs of compromise related to this vulnerability. 10. Prepare incident response plans specifically addressing potential firmware compromise scenarios in AV equipment.