CVE-2023-2868:Remote Command Injection Vulnerability in Barracuda Email Security Gateway

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A critical remote command injection vulnerability (CVE-2023-2868) affects the Barracuda Email Security Gateway appliance versions 5.1.3.001 through 9.2.0.006. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization when processing .tar files, specifically related to file names contained within archives. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specially formatted file names that trigger command execution through Perl's qx operator with the privileges of the Email Security Gateway product.

Overview

This vulnerability (CWE-77: Command Injection) allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected Barracuda Email Security Gateway appliances. The issue occurs during the processing of .tar archives when the system fails to properly validate the names of files contained within these archives. By manipulating file names in a specific way, attackers can inject system commands that will be executed through Perl's qx operator with the same privileges as the Email Security Gateway service. This represents a severe security risk as it could allow unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or complete system compromise.

Remediation

Barracuda has addressed this vulnerability with the BNSF-36456 patch, which has been automatically applied to all customer appliances. Organizations using Barracuda Email Security Gateway should:

  1. Verify that their appliance has received the automatic update by checking the current version.
  2. Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.
  3. Consider implementing additional network security controls to restrict access to the Email Security Gateway management interfaces.
  4. Follow Barracuda's security advisories for any additional guidance or recommendations.

References

  1. Barracuda Status Page Incident Report: https://status.barracuda.com/incidents/34kx82j5n4q9
  2. Barracuda Vulnerability Advisory: https://www.barracuda.com/company/legal/esg-vulnerability

Early Warning

Customers using Armis Early Warning were notified about this vulnerability before it appeared in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, enabling them to assess their exposure and act proactively. Armis offers these examples of CVEs already included in CISA KEV for potential customers. Click here to learn how to receive alerts earlier.

Armis Alert Date
May 24, 2023
CISA KEV Date
May 26, 2023
2days early

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services: Low
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction: Low
    Construction
  6. Educational Services: Low
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance: Low
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance: Low
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information: Low
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises: Low
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing: Low
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining: Low
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration: Low
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade: Low
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing: Low
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities: Low
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade: Low
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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