CVE-2025-0360 in AXIS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/04/2025
During an annual penetration test conducted on behalf of Axis Communication, Truesec discovered a flaw in the VAPIX Device Configuration framework that could lead to an incorrect user privilege level in the VAPIX service account D-Bus API.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-0360 resides within the VAPIX Device Configuration framework of Axis Communication devices, specifically affecting the D-Bus API service account permissions. This flaw represents a critical authorization issue that could potentially allow unauthorized users to escalate their privileges within the system. The vulnerability was discovered during a routine penetration test, highlighting the importance of continuous security assessments in maintaining device integrity. The VAPIX framework serves as a core communication interface for device management and configuration, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain elevated access. The D-Bus API component provides inter-process communication capabilities that are essential for system operations, and any misconfiguration in privilege handling could have cascading security implications. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper privilege management and aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect privilege assignment issues in software systems. The discovery during a penetration test demonstrates that organizations must conduct regular security evaluations to identify such subtle but potentially dangerous flaws in their network infrastructure components.
The technical flaw manifests in how the VAPIX service account handles user privilege levels within the D-Bus API framework. When users interact with the device through the VAPIX interface, the system should properly validate and enforce access controls based on the user's authenticated role. However, the vulnerability allows for incorrect privilege level assignment, potentially enabling users to perform actions beyond their authorized scope. This misconfiguration could occur during authentication processes or when the system validates user permissions for specific operations. The D-Bus API acts as a communication bus between different software components, and improper privilege handling within this framework could allow malicious actors to manipulate the system's access control mechanisms. Attackers could exploit this weakness to execute commands or access sensitive data that should be restricted to administrators or authorized personnel only. The flaw likely stems from insufficient input validation or improper privilege validation routines that fail to correctly identify and enforce user roles within the system's security model.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-0360 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it could potentially allow attackers to compromise entire device management systems. If exploited successfully, this vulnerability could enable attackers to modify device configurations, access video feeds, or even disable security features entirely. The affected Axis Communication devices could become entry points for broader network attacks, as the compromised device could be used as a pivot point to target other systems within the network perimeter. The implications are particularly concerning given that Axis devices are commonly deployed in security-critical environments such as surveillance systems, industrial control networks, and enterprise security infrastructures. The vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors, including remote exploitation via network protocols that utilize the VAPIX framework. Organizations using these devices may face significant operational risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations if the devices are part of compliance-sensitive environments. The impact could be exacerbated in environments where multiple devices are interconnected through the same management framework.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-0360 should focus on immediate privilege validation improvements and comprehensive access control reviews. Organizations should implement immediate patching procedures for affected Axis Communication devices and ensure all firmware updates are applied promptly. The security configuration should include enhanced input validation for all VAPIX API calls and proper privilege enforcement mechanisms within the D-Bus framework. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate devices using the vulnerable VAPIX framework, reducing the potential attack surface. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts or privilege escalation activities within the D-Bus API. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar issues in other communication frameworks and device management interfaces. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be strictly enforced, ensuring that service accounts operate with minimal necessary permissions. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for anomalous behavior patterns in the D-Bus API communications, as this vulnerability could be exploited through subtle manipulation of API calls. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting service account compromise and D-Bus API manipulation. Organizations should also review their incident response procedures to ensure rapid detection and remediation of such privilege-related vulnerabilities in their security infrastructure.