Barracuda Networks Barracuda Email Security Gateway (ESG): attackers can get in without a password

OFFICIAL NAME: Barracuda Networks Email Security Gateway (ESG) Authentication Bypass Using an Alternate Path or Channel Vulnerability

WHAT IT IS · VPN, FIREWALL OR GATEWAYIt sits at the edge of your network and faces the internet, so attackers can reach it directly.

DO THIS FIRSTIf you have it, patch it today. If you cannot, block access to it from the internet until you can. Not sure if you use it? Send this page to your IT provider or security lead and ask.

TECHNICAL SUMMARY Barracuda Networks Email Security Gateway (ESG) contains an authentication bypass using an alternate path or channel that could allow an unauthenticated remote attacker to invoke a configuration-import function and restore a crafted, compatible backup archive, resulting in unauthorized modification of the appliance’s global configuration. This vulnerability can be chained with CVE-2026-111560.

WHY THIS VERDICT Attacks are confirmed. The vulnerability is 8 days old, so many systems are likely still unpatched. Ready-made attack tools are public. It affects a product that faces the internet or gives remote access. The severity score is critical (9.3).

WHY IT RANKS HERE Exploitation is confirmed by an authoritative source. The product faces the internet or gives remote access. Ready-made attack tools are public. The confirmation is 1 day old.