CVE-2023-2868

CVE-2023-2868 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Barracuda Email Security Gateway 300 Firmware with a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.4. It is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming it has been exploited in the wild (added 2023-05-26). The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-77.

Key facts

Description

A remote command injection vulnerability exists in the Barracuda Email Security Gateway (appliance form factor only) product effecting versions 5.1.3.001-9.2.0.006. The vulnerability arises out of a failure to comprehensively sanitize the processing of .tar file (tape archives). The vulnerability stems from incomplete input validation of a user-supplied .tar file as it pertains to the names of the files contained within the archive. As a consequence, a remote attacker can specifically format these file names in a particular manner that will result in remotely executing a system command through Perl's qx operator with the privileges of the Email Security Gateway product. This issue was fixed as part of BNSF-36456 patch. This patch was automatically applied to all customer appliances.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2023-2868?
A remote command injection vulnerability exists in the Barracuda Email Security Gateway (appliance form factor only) product effecting versions 5.1.3.001-9.2.0.006. The vulnerability arises out of a failure to comprehensively sanitize the processing of .tar file (tape archives). The vulnerability stems from incomplete input validation of a user-supplied .tar file as it pertains to the names of the files contained within the archive. As a consequence, a remote attacker can specifically format these file names in a particular manner that will result in remotely executing a system command through Perl's qx operator with the privileges of the Email Security Gateway product. This issue was fixed as part of BNSF-36456 patch. This patch was automatically applied to all customer appliances.
How severe is CVE-2023-2868?
CVE-2023-2868 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 9.4, rated critical severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability low.
Is CVE-2023-2868 being actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2023-2868 is on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added on 2023-05-26, which means active exploitation has been confirmed. It should be prioritised for remediation.
What products are affected by CVE-2023-2868?
CVE-2023-2868 primarily affects Barracuda Email Security Gateway 300 Firmware. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2023-2868?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Because this CVE is known to be actively exploited, treat remediation as urgent — CISA KEV typically sets a short remediation deadline.
Does CVE-2023-2868 have an EU (EUVD) identifier?
Yes. CVE-2023-2868 is tracked in the ENISA EU Vulnerability Database (EUVD) as EUVD-2023-34316. It is also flagged as exploited in the EUVD (since 2023-05-26).
When was CVE-2023-2868 published?
CVE-2023-2868 was published on 2023-05-24 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (5)

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