CVE-2023-2868 Barracuda Networks Email Security Gateway (ESG) Appliance: software flaw
In plain words: A mistake in the software that attackers have found a way to abuse. Depends on the product — see the description and the vendor advisory.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Jun 16, 2023
What to do
- Install Barracuda Networks's security update for Email Security Gateway (ESG) Appliance. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Patch edge devices first — attackers often start scanning for them within hours of a fix.
- Never expose the device's admin page to the internet.
- After patching a device that was exposed, follow the vendor's compromise checks, end active sessions and change passwords.
Who is affected
Work IT. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.
What's at risk: They face the internet and guard the whole network, so a flaw here can hand attackers a way in — and these devices usually run no antivirus, so break-ins go unnoticed.
The details
- Official name
- Barracuda Networks ESG Appliance Improper Input Validation Vulnerability
- Product
- Barracuda Networks Email Security Gateway (ESG) Appliance
- CISA description
- Barracuda Email Security Gateway (ESG) appliance contains an improper input validation vulnerability of a user-supplied .tar file, leading to remote command injection.
- Type of flaw
- Software flaw (CWE-20)
- Confirmed exploited
- May 26, 2023
- US federal patch deadline
- Jun 16, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2023-2868 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-2868
Is CVE-2023-2868 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-2868 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on May 26, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2023-2868?
Install Barracuda Networks's security update for Email Security Gateway (ESG) Appliance. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Patch edge devices first — attackers often start scanning for them within hours of a fix.
Am I affected by CVE-2023-2868?
Only if you use Barracuda Networks Email Security Gateway (ESG) Appliance. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.