# CVE-2023-2868: Barracuda Networks ESG Appliance Improper Input Validation Vulnerability

Source: https://junglewise.ai/threats/cve-2023-2868-barracuda-networks-esg-appliance-improper-input-validation  
Publisher: Junglewise Threat Intelligence, https://junglewise.ai/threats  
Published: 2023-05-26. Updated: 2026-05-10  
License: CC BY 4.0 with a link back

CVE-2023-2868 · Severity: critical · CVSS 9.8 · Exploited in the wild · Published 2023-05-26

A remote command injection vulnerability exists in the Barracuda Email Security Gateway appliance due to improper input validation of filenames within user-supplied .tar archives. An attacker can execute system commands with the privileges of the ESG product via Perl's qx operator by formatting filenames in a specific manner.

## Quick answers

**Is CVE-2023-2868 exploited in the wild?** Yes. CVE-2023-2868 is known to be exploited in the wild, first recorded on 26 May 2023. Treat it as urgent.

**How severe is CVE-2023-2868?** Critical severity, with a CVSS score of 9.8, published 26 May 2023.

**Which products and versions are affected?** Barracuda Networks Email Security Gateway (ESG) Appliance 5.1.3.001-9.2.0.006.

**Is there a fix for CVE-2023-2868?** No fixed version is recorded yet. Check the vendor's advisory in the references below. If you run it, Junglewise drafts a mitigation that fits your setup and applies it once you approve, with senior security engineers behind it.

**How is CVE-2023-2868 attacked?** It is attacked over the network, in a network appliance.

**Am I affected by CVE-2023-2868?** Check whether you run Barracuda Networks Email Security Gateway (ESG) Appliance. Junglewise does that check for you around the clock: connect your code, cloud and domains, and it matches new vulnerabilities like this one against what you actually run and tells you when one reaches you.

## Affected products

- Barracuda Networks Email Security Gateway (ESG) Appliance 5.1.3.001-9.2.0.006

## Timeline

- 2023-05-24: disclosed: NVD Published Date
- 2023-05-26: kev added: Date added to CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog
- 2023-05-26: advisory: Vendor advisory published