CVE-2023-26213 in CloudGen WAN
Summary
by MITRE • 03/04/2023
On Barracuda CloudGen WAN Private Edge Gateway devices before 8 webui-sdwan-1089-8.3.1-174141891, an OS command injection vulnerability exists in /ajax/update_certificate - a crafted HTTP request allows an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands. For example, a name field can contain :password and a password field can contain shell metacharacters.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-26213 represents a critical operating system command injection flaw within Barracuda CloudGen WAN Private Edge Gateway devices running firmware versions prior to 8 webui-sdwan-1089-8.3.1-174141891. This vulnerability specifically affects the /ajax/update_certificate endpoint, which is part of the web user interface responsible for certificate management operations. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the authentication flow, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary system commands through carefully crafted HTTP requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker to manipulate the name and password fields within the certificate update process. When the system processes these fields, it fails to properly sanitize user input, enabling the insertion of shell metacharacters that are subsequently interpreted and executed by the underlying operating system. The specific payload structure demonstrates how a name field containing ':password' combined with password field content containing shell metacharacters can trigger command execution, bypassing normal authentication and authorization controls. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that falls under CWE-77, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it provides authenticated attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web application user, typically root or system-level access. Attackers can leverage this capability to perform reconnaissance, escalate privileges, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or completely compromise the device. The vulnerability affects enterprise-grade network infrastructure devices that serve as critical components in software-defined wide area networks, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt network operations, gain access to sensitive corporate data, or establish persistent access points within the network perimeter. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, where adversaries execute malicious code through legitimate system interfaces.
Organizations utilizing Barracuda CloudGen WAN Private Edge Gateway devices should immediately implement mitigations including firmware updates to version 8 webui-sdwan-1089-8.3.1-174141891 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the input validation issues. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit authentication access to only authorized personnel, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous command execution patterns. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation rules at the network perimeter can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization in web applications, particularly those handling administrative functions and system-level operations.