Critical Fault with Log4j Software

Attackers are actively exploiting a critical vulnerability in Apache Log4j, a logging library that's used in potentially millions of Java-based applications, including web-based ones. Organisations should immediately review if their apps, especially the publicly accessible ones, use the library and should implement mitigations as soon as possible.

This recently discovered vulnerability in Log4j 2 is reportedly being actively exploited, putting widely used applications and cloud services at high risk.

Researchers discovered a critical vulnerability in Apache Log4j library. Apache Log4j is part of the Apache Logging Project. By and large, usage of this library is one of the easiest ways to log errors, and that is why most Java developers use it. Now the Apache Software Foundation has released fixes to contain an exploited zero-day vulnerability affecting the widely-used Apache Log4j Java-based logging library that could be weaponised to execute malicious code and allow a complete takeover of vulnerable systems.

Log4j is used as a logging package in a variety of different popular software by companies including Amazon, Apple iCloud, ElasticSearch, Steam, Tesla, Twitter, and video games such as Minecraft. 

This  problem concerns a case of unauthenticated, remote code execution (RCE) on any application that uses the open-source utility and affects versions Log4j 2.0-beta9 up to 2.14.1. The bug has scored a perfect 10 on 10 in the CVSS rating system, indicative of the severity of the issue. "An attacker who can control log messages or log message parameters can execute arbitrary code loaded from LDAP servers when message lookup substitution is enabled," the Apache Foundation said in an advisory. "From Log4j 2.15.0, this behavior has been disabled by default."

Exploitation can be achieved by a single string of text, which can trigger an application to reach out to a malicious external host if it is logged via the vulnerable instance of Log4j, effectively granting the adversary the ability to retrieve a payload from a remote server and execute it locally. 

Given these problems with Log4j in enterprise IT and DevOps, it is vital for users to address the flaw immediately. 

The Israeli cyber security firm Cybereason has released a fix called Logout4Shell that closes out the shortcoming by using the vulnerability itself to reconfigure the logger and prevent further exploitation of the attack. "This Log4j (CVE-2021-44228) vulnerability is extremely bad. Millions of applications use Log4j for logging, and all the attacker needs to do is get the app to log a special string," Security expert Marcus Hutchins said in a tweet.

CERT.NZ:   Hacker News:   Marcus Hutchins:    Kaspersky:    Techtarget:   Logging Apache:   CSO Online:  

You Might Also Read: 

How To Optimize The DevSecOps Pipeline:

 

« Britain's New Deals On Digital Trade & Cyber Security
Best Programming Languages For Cyber Security In 2022 »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

Perimeter 81 / How to Select the Right ZTNA Solution

Perimeter 81 / How to Select the Right ZTNA Solution

Gartner insights into How to Select the Right ZTNA offering. Download this FREE report for a limited time only.

The PC Support Group

The PC Support Group

A partnership with The PC Support Group delivers improved productivity, reduced costs and protects your business through exceptional IT, telecoms and cybersecurity services.

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North Infosec Testing (North IT)

North IT (North Infosec Testing) are an award-winning provider of web, software, and application penetration testing.

LockLizard

LockLizard

Locklizard provides PDF DRM software that protects PDF documents from unauthorized access and misuse. Share and sell documents securely - prevent document leakage, sharing and piracy.

National Centre of Incident Readiness & Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) - Japan

National Centre of Incident Readiness & Strategy for Cybersecurity (NISC) - Japan

NISC was established as a secretariat of the Cybersecurity Strategy Headquarters in collaboration with the public and private sectors to create a "free, fair and secure cyberspace" in Japan.

Yokogawa Electric

Yokogawa Electric

Yokogawa is an electrical engineering company providing measurement, control, and information technologies including industrial cyber security.

Cyber Future Foundation (CFF)

Cyber Future Foundation (CFF)

CFF was established to create a cyberspace where digital commerce and innovation can thrive based on trust and respect to individual privacy.

OneVisage

OneVisage

Our award-winning 3DAuth digital identity platform turns any consumer mobile device into a real-time 3D facial scanner that securely authenticates the user in seconds.

Honeynet Project

Honeynet Project

The Honeynet Project is a leading international non-profit security research organization, dedicated to investigating the latest attacks and developing open source security tools.

LEADS

LEADS

LEADS is considered as a leading ICT Solution Provider and an IT partner of choice in Bangladesh.

FinCom.co

FinCom.co

FinCom.Co is the world’s first automatic AML/ KYC screening system, for comprehensive compliance.

InnoValor

InnoValor

InnoValor realises value from digital innovation for organisations and government. We provide advisory services and develop innovative software solutions, based on our background in research.

Charterhouse Müller UK

Charterhouse Müller UK

Charterhouse Müller UK are a leading service provider for end of life IT services including data erasure and secure IT asset disposal.

European Cyber Security Conference

European Cyber Security Conference

EU Cyber Security Conference will debate what Europe’s response to evolving threats in a dynamic global risk landscape should look like and what the next steps for all actors of the ecosystem.

Pinpoint Search Group

Pinpoint Search Group

Pinpoint Search Group's recruiters specialize in Information Management, Cyber Security, Cloud and Robotic Process Automation (RPA).

Bitcrack

Bitcrack

Bitcrack Cyber Security helps your company understand and defend your threat landscape using our key experience and skills in cybersecurity, threat mitigation and risk.

Realsec

Realsec

RealSec is an international company and is a developer of encryption and digital signature systems and Blockchain for the Banking and Methods of Payment sectors, Government and Defense and Multisector

Avalanchio Technologies

Avalanchio Technologies

The Avalanchio platform gives you a complete solution to collect, process, and analyze security data to detect threats in real-time and analyze historical data using security DSL or SQL.

Edgio

Edgio

Edgio provides unmatched speed, security, and simplicity at the edge through globally-scaled media and applications platforms.

Viatel Technology Group

Viatel Technology Group

Viatel Technology Group is a complete digital services provider. We have over 26 years’ experience delivering fully managed security, networking, cloud and communications services.