Path traversal in AXIS OS
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Network
- Privileges required
- Low
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- —
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- None · Low · High
- Fix status
- No fix listed
Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · CNA. Fix status from CNA.
Summary
Sandro Poppi, member of the AXIS OS Bug Bounty Program, has found that the VAPIX API manageoverlayimage.cgi was vulnerable to path traversal attacks that allows for file/folder deletion. This flaw can only be exploited after authenticating with an operator- or administrator- privileged service account. The impact of exploiting this vulnerability is lower with operator service accounts and limited to non-system files compared to administrator-privileges. Axis has released patched AXIS OS versions for the highlighted flaw. Please refer to the Axis security advisory for more information and solution.
Why it matters now
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- None
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Partial
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axis Communications AB | AXIS OS | AXIS OS 8.50 – 11.6 | — | No fix listed | CNA |
- AXIS OS VendorAxis Communications AB Affected AXIS OS 8.50 – 11.6 Fixed in — No fix listed CNA
CPE configurations NVD · 3
| CPE | Versions | Role | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|
| cpe:2.3:o:axis:axis_os:*:*:*:*:active:*:*:* | before 11.7.57 | Vulnerable | Axis Communications AB |
| cpe:2.3:o:axis:axis_os_2020:*:*:*:*:lts:*:*:* | before 9.80.49 | Vulnerable | Axis Communications AB |
| cpe:2.3:o:axis:axis_os_2022:*:*:*:*:lts:*:*:* | before 10.12.208 | Vulnerable | Axis Communications AB |
- cpe:2.3:o:axis:axis_os:*:*:*:*:active:*:*:* Versions before 11.7.57 Vulnerable ·Axis Communications AB
- cpe:2.3:o:axis:axis_os_2020:*:*:*:*:lts:*:*:* Versions before 9.80.49 Vulnerable ·Axis Communications AB
- cpe:2.3:o:axis:axis_os_2022:*:*:*:*:lts:*:*:* Versions before 10.12.208 Vulnerable ·Axis Communications AB
Remediation
No fixed version listed by the sources yet.
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2023-21417
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-967w-79j9-vx4x
References
More Axis Communications AB Axis Os vulnerabilities
- TI-2023-07814 Remote code execution vulnerability during the installation of ACAP applications on the Axis device CVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.1
- TI-2025-00260 The VAPIX Device Configuration framework allowed a privilege escalation, enabling a… CVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.4
- TI-2025-10210 OS command injection in AXIS OS CVSS 3.1HIGH 8.8
- TI-2023-05336 Insufficient input validation in VAPIX API create_overlay.cgi CVSS 3.1HIGH 8.8
- TI-2025-00291 Improper privilege management in AXIS OS CVSS 3.1HIGH 8.8
- TI-2021-11974 Injection in AXIS OS CVSS 3.1HIGH 8.8
Sources
- CVE-2023-21417 · CVE Program
- CVE-2023-21417 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-967w-79j9-vx4x · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences