CVE-2023-38950
HighExploitedPublic exploitA path traversal vulnerability in the iclock API of ZKTeco BioTime v8.5.5 allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files via supplying a crafted payload.
Published Aug 3, 2023 · Updated Jul 9, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-38950 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting Biotime (Zkteco).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since May 2, 2025. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 92% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including Biotime 9.0.1.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
7.5
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
92%
Higher than 99.8% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2023-38950 brief as a PDF
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Description
A path traversal vulnerability in the iclock API of ZKTeco BioTime v8.5.5 allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files via supplying a crafted payload. This vulnerability was fixed in version 9.0.120240617.19506 of ZKBioTime.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | May 19, 2025 | Jun 9, 2025 | Not reported |
| Industry KEV feed | May 2, 2025 | Jun 9, 2025 | Not reported |
| CIRCL KEV | May 19, 2025 | Jun 9, 2025 | Not reported |
| ENISA EUVD | May 19, 2025 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply mitigations per vendor instructions, follow applicable BOD 22-01 guidance for cloud services, or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
1 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| BiotimeZkteco | See advisory | 9.0.1 |
Patched Releases
Biotime
9.0.1
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Aug 3, 2023
Added to Industry KEV feed
May 2, 2025
Added to CISA KEV
May 19, 2025
Added to CIRCL KEV
May 19, 2025
Added to ENISA EUVD
May 19, 2025
Last updated
Jul 9, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')
References
- advisoryhttps://claroty.com/team82/disclosure-dashboard/cve-2023-38950
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
- exploithttps://sploitus.com/exploit?id=PACKETSTORM:177859
- exploitVulnCheck exploitation report
FAQ
Common Questions.
A path traversal vulnerability in the iclock API of ZKTeco BioTime v8.5.5 allows unauthenticated attackers to read arbitrary files via supplying a crafted payload.
Affected: Biotime (Zkteco). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since May 2, 2025.
Yes. It was added on May 19, 2025 with a federal remediation due date of Jun 9, 2025.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including Biotime 9.0.1.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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