CVE-2023-21417 Path traversal in AXIS OS

High 7.1 Published 21 Nov 2023 Updated 11 Jun 2025

Authenticated attackers can delete files via path traversal in the VAPIX API, requiring patched AXIS OS versions.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Over the internet
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2023-21417?

CVE-2023-21417 is a high-severity path traversal vulnerability in AXIS OS, published on 21 Nov 2023. Any signed-in user can exploit it over the network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

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.

Weakness: CWE-22, CWE-35

Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-21417?

It affects 3 products.

Products include Axis Axis Os, Axis Axis Os 2020, Axis Axis Os 2022.

How do I fix CVE-2023-21417?

No fix has been published for CVE-2023-21417 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and resolve every user-supplied path against an allowed base folder before opening it. More about Path traversal.

Is CVE-2023-21417 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2023-21417 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-967w-79j9-vx4x.