CVE-2024-47262 in AXIS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/04/2025
Dzmitry Lukyanenka, member of the AXIS OS Bug Bounty Program, has found that the VAPIX API param.cgi was vulnerable to a race condition attack allowing for an attacker to block access to the web interface of the Axis device. Other API endpoints or services not making use of param.cgi are not affected. Axis has released patched AXIS OS versions for the highlighted flaw. Please refer to the Axis security advisory for more information and solution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/04/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-47262 represents a critical race condition flaw within the VAPIX API param.cgi component of Axis network video devices. This race condition vulnerability specifically targets the parameter configuration interface that governs how device settings are processed and applied. The flaw arises from insufficient synchronization mechanisms during the parameter update process, creating a window where concurrent operations can interfere with each other. Such conditions allow an attacker to manipulate the timing of API requests in a way that disrupts normal device operations, ultimately leading to complete blocking of access to the web interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it directly impacts the device's administrative accessibility, effectively rendering the device unusable for legitimate administrators while maintaining its physical presence on the network.
The technical implementation of this race condition occurs within the param.cgi endpoint which handles parameter modification requests through the VAPIX API interface. When multiple concurrent requests attempt to modify device parameters simultaneously, the lack of proper locking mechanisms or atomic operations creates opportunities for interference. Attackers can exploit this by sending carefully timed requests that cause the device's parameter processing logic to enter an inconsistent state, where the web interface becomes unresponsive or completely inaccessible. This behavior stems from fundamental issues in the device's threading model and parameter handling architecture, where the absence of proper mutual exclusion controls allows race conditions to manifest. The vulnerability specifically affects only the param.cgi endpoint and related API services that utilize this particular parameter processing mechanism, making it a targeted issue rather than a systemic flaw across the entire device interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-47262 extends beyond simple service disruption to create significant security and business continuity concerns for organizations relying on Axis network security infrastructure. When the web interface becomes blocked, legitimate administrators lose the ability to configure, monitor, or maintain their security cameras and video management systems. This creates a potential attack vector where malicious actors can render security equipment useless without requiring physical access or advanced exploitation techniques. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in environments where continuous surveillance is critical, as it can effectively disable security monitoring capabilities. Organizations may face extended downtime while resolving the issue, potentially leaving their premises vulnerable during the recovery period. The race condition nature also suggests that the device may become unstable or crash under sustained attack conditions, creating additional operational risks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-47262 center exclusively on applying the vendor-provided patches released through the AXIS OS security advisory. Organizations should immediately update all affected Axis devices to the patched versions that address the synchronization issues within the param.cgi endpoint. Network segmentation and access control measures can provide additional defense in depth, limiting the attack surface by restricting access to the VAPIX API endpoints. Implementing monitoring solutions that detect unusual patterns of API requests to param.cgi can help identify exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary VAPIX API access where possible and implementing rate limiting controls to reduce the effectiveness of automated exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper race condition handling in embedded systems and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of parameter handling mechanisms in networked devices. This issue aligns with CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in software implementations, and represents a clear example of how improper synchronization can create critical security vulnerabilities in networked security infrastructure.