China-Linked Hackers Target Barracuda Email Security Gateway Appliances with New Zero-Day Vulnerability

China-linked hackers have continued their relentless targeting of Barracuda Email Security Gateway (ESG) appliances, exploiting a newly discovered zero-day vulnerability. In a recent series of attacks, the group known as UNC4841, believed to be sponsored by the Chinese government, has been identified as the culprit. This latest exploit follows a similar incident in June, where the same cyber espionage group was found to have targeted Barracuda devices.

Attribution of the attacks

Mandiant, a renowned cybersecurity firm, has confidently attributed the attacks to UNC4841. With high confidence, they believe this group to be backed by the Chinese government. The attacks were initially reported back in June, shedding light on the persistent threat posed by these state-sponsored hackers.

Exploitation of CVE-2023-2868

In their pursuit of compromising Barracuda devices, the hackers exploited a critical vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2868. The initial access was gained by sending specially crafted emails to targeted organizations. Barracuda responded swiftly by releasing patches to address the vulnerability. However, the hackers proved to be unfazed by these countermeasures and continued their relentless targeting of Barracuda appliances.

Identification of a new zero-day vulnerability

Barracuda has recently issued a warning that UNC4841 has discovered yet another zero-day vulnerability affecting ESG appliances. This newly identified flaw, CVE-2023-7102, directly impacts the ‘Spreadsheet::ParseExcel’ library utilized by the Amavis virus scanner present in ESG devices. This discovery further amplifies concerns surrounding the security of Barracuda appliances.

Exploitation of the new vulnerability

Acting swiftly upon discovering the zero-day vulnerability, the hackers exploited CVE-2023-7102 to deliver new variants of the SeaSpy and SaltWater malware. Although the attacks were targeted at a limited number of devices, the potential impact and scope of the exploitation are causes for concern.

Response and Ongoing Investigation

Barracuda has assured its customers that no immediate action is required on their part. Nevertheless, the company has initiated a thorough investigation into the new vulnerability. The ongoing investigation aims to understand the full extent of the vulnerability’s impact and devise appropriate countermeasures.

Patch Availability

The company has acknowledged that currently, there is no patch available for the vulnerability found in the ‘Spreadsheet::ParseExcel’ library. The specific CVE identifier for this vulnerability is CVE-2023-7101. This lack of an immediate solution complicates the mitigation efforts and highlights the urgency required in addressing the issue effectively.

Previous targeting of UNC4841

Mandiant’s previous investigations into UNC4841 revealed that the cyberespionage group has actively targeted entities across 16 countries. Their victims include government organizations, high-ranking officials, academic institutions, academic research organizations, and foreign trade offices. The sustained targeting of high-profile entities underscores the motive and persistence of this state-sponsored group.

The enduring threat posed by China-linked hackers targeting Barracuda Email Security Gateway appliances highlights the need for constant vigilance and proactive security measures. The discovery of a new zero-day vulnerability, CVE-2023-7102, adds to the ongoing concern surrounding the security of ESG appliances. Barracuda’s prompt response to these attacks and their commitment to ongoing investigations provide a glimpse of hope amidst the escalating cyber threats. To effectively mitigate the risks, continued monitoring, future patches, and proactive security practices are imperative for organizations relying on Barracuda products.

Explore more

Cognitive Workforce Twins: Revolutionizing HRtech with AI

Setting the Stage for HRtech Transformation In today’s fast-paced business environment, HR technology stands at a critical juncture, grappling with the challenge of managing a workforce that is increasingly hybrid, diverse, and skill-dependent. A staggering statistic reveals that over 60% of organizations struggle with skill gaps that hinder their ability to adapt to technological advancements, underscoring a pressing need for

Insurers’ Path to Profitability in 2025 Through Innovation

The insurance industry today stands at a critical juncture, grappling with a staggering rise in claims costs driven by inflation, which industry reports estimate to have surged by over 15% in the last year alone, creating significant economic strain. Coupled with fierce competition and rapidly evolving customer expectations, this paints a challenging picture for insurers striving to maintain profitability. Amid

How Can Employers Master Employee Leave Management?

The significance of managing employee leave effectively cannot be overstated, especially when considering that a poorly handled leave process can lead to legal disputes, decreased morale, and operational disruptions. Imagine a scenario where a valued employee requests time off for a medical condition, only to face delays, miscommunication, or perceived unfairness due to unclear policies. Such situations not only risk

Trend Analysis: Multi-Cloud Security Integration

In an era where digital infrastructure spans multiple cloud platforms, the complexity of managing security across diverse environments has become a pressing challenge for enterprises worldwide. As businesses increasingly rely on providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure to power their operations, the risk of misconfigurations, compliance gaps, and costly security breaches escalates, underscoring the urgent need for integrated

HR Tech Revolution: Automation and Data Unity for 2026

Setting the Stage for HR Transformation As the business landscape accelerates into a tech-driven future, human resources (HR) departments face mounting pressure to evolve with the times and adapt to new challenges. A staggering 43% of HR decision-makers are prioritizing technology upgrades for 2026, driven by the need to eliminate inefficiencies that plague current operations and hinder productivity. This surge