CVE-2025-8108 is a vulnerability identified in Axis Communications AB's AXIS OS version 12.0.0, specifically related to the handling of ACAP (Axis Camera Application Platform) configuration files. The root cause is improper validation of input types (CWE-1287) combined with incorrect permission assignments (CWE-732) on these configuration files. This flaw allows an attacker to escalate privileges on the device if certain conditions are met. Exploitation requires that the Axis device be configured to permit installation of unsigned ACAP applications, which is not the default setting and is generally discouraged. The attack vector involves an attacker convincing a legitimate user or administrator to install a malicious ACAP application. Once installed, due to improper input validation and overly permissive file permissions, the malicious application can execute actions with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the device’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.7 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), high privileges (PR:H), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability poses a significant risk in environments where unsigned ACAP app installation is enabled. This vulnerability highlights the importance of strict input validation and secure permission settings in embedded device software, especially in security-critical IoT devices like network cameras.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-8108 can be significant, particularly for entities relying on Axis network cameras for physical security, surveillance, and monitoring. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges on the device, enabling them to manipulate video feeds, disable security monitoring, or use the compromised device as a foothold for lateral movement within the network. This could lead to breaches of sensitive data, disruption of security operations, and potential sabotage of critical infrastructure. Sectors such as transportation, energy, government facilities, and large enterprises that deploy Axis cameras extensively are at heightened risk. The requirement for local access or convincing a user to install a malicious application somewhat limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with less stringent device management or insider threats. The vulnerability could undermine trust in surveillance systems and complicate compliance with European data protection regulations if video data confidentiality is compromised.

To mitigate CVE-2025-8108, European organizations should: 1) Disable the installation of unsigned ACAP applications on all Axis devices unless absolutely necessary and verified; 2) Enforce strict access controls to Axis devices, limiting administrative access to trusted personnel only; 3) Regularly audit installed ACAP applications to detect unauthorized or suspicious apps; 4) Apply the latest firmware updates from Axis Communications as soon as they become available, even though no patch link is currently provided, monitoring vendor advisories closely; 5) Implement network segmentation to isolate surveillance devices from critical internal networks to reduce lateral movement risk; 6) Educate users and administrators about the risks of installing untrusted applications on security devices; 7) Employ monitoring and alerting for unusual device behavior or configuration changes; 8) Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that can identify anomalous activities originating from compromised devices. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on configuration hardening, operational controls, and proactive monitoring tailored to the Axis device ecosystem.