CVE-2023-2868
Remote Code injection in Barracuda Email Security Gateway
- Published
- May 24, 2023
- Updated
- Oct 21, 2025
- Assigning CNA
- Evidence observed
- May 26, 2023
Primary CVSS
nvd · CVSS 3.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HHigh · next 30 days
- Percentile
- 99.8%
- Model date
- Sep 21, 2026
EPSS is a statistical estimate, not a certainty or a measure of impact. Combine it with CVSS, KEV status, exposure and your environment.
CISA Known Exploited
This CVE appears in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Summary
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.
Sources
3- poc-cve-2023-2868Exploit
Ruby-based proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2023-2868 command injection in Barracuda ESG, delivering a reverse shell for targeted penetration testing.
Proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2023-2868, demonstrating the vulnerability and providing a basis for security testing and validation.
Responsible use
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