CVE-2023-21417
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a path traversal vulnerability in Axis camera systems' VAPIX API manageoverlayimage.cgi endpoint that allows authenticated users with operator or administrator privileges to delete files and folders. The vulnerability affects Axis devices running vulnerable versions of AXIS OS. Exploitation requires authentication but can lead to unauthorized file deletion.
💻 Affected Systems
- Axis network cameras and video encoders with VAPIX API
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Administrator-level attackers could delete critical system files, potentially causing device malfunction, service disruption, or complete system compromise.
Likely Case
Authenticated attackers with operator or admin access deleting configuration files, overlay images, or other non-critical files to disrupt camera functionality.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and network segmentation, impact is limited to authorized users misusing their legitimate privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires valid credentials but uses simple path traversal techniques. No public exploit code identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Refer to Axis security advisory for specific patched AXIS OS versions
Vendor Advisory: https://www.axis.com/dam/public/2a/82/12/cve-2023-21417-en-US-417791.pdf
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download patched AXIS OS version from Axis website. 2. Upload firmware via web interface. 3. Reboot device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict VAPIX API Access
allLimit access to VAPIX API endpoints to trusted networks only
Configure firewall rules to restrict access to port 80/443 on Axis devices
Implement Strong Credential Policies
allEnforce strong passwords, regular rotation, and limit privileged account usage
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Segment Axis cameras on isolated network VLANs
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for suspicious file deletion attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check AXIS OS version via web interface: System > Support > System OverviewCheck Version:
Via web interface or API: http://[device-ip]/axis-cgi/admin/param.cgi?action=list&group=Properties.FirmwareVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed AXIS OS version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in Axis advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file deletion events in system logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by manageoverlayimage.cgi access
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to manageoverlayimage.cgi with path traversal patterns (../ sequences)
SIEM Query:
source="axis-camera" AND uri="*manageoverlayimage.cgi*" AND (uri="*../*" OR status="200" AND method="POST")