A vulnerability (CVE-2021-44228) in Apache Log4j2 was disclosed on GitHub on December 9, 2021. Without authentication, this weakness allows remote code execution. Attackers are already using this hole in the Log4j2 open source logging library, used in millions of applications globally, to access internet-based corporate systems.

This Log4j2 vulnerability affects enterprises worldwide and might have catastrophic implications. How to secure your company? Explore.

What is Log4J?

Java has Log4j logging. Development and security professionals log items in programs to do the correct thing. This helps security analysts and engineers discover abnormalities in logs. Suppose you’re designing an app and want to do the right thing, but don’t want to write log code. Log4j is helpful here. As a free open-source framework, you may rapidly add it to your project and save time.

Millions of third-party enterprise apps, cloud providers, and manufacturers use Log4j. Mars, actually. Mars 2020’s Ingenuity drone logs data with Log4j.

This library’s flaw enables the Log4Shell vulnerability. This allows an attacker to send a message to a weak application and run malicious code.

This is excellent because the vulnerability is widespread, difficult to identify, and easy to exploit. An attacker just needs to produce a malicious file, upload it to a server they control, and modify a logging field.

After logging this string, Log4j will fetch and run the attacker’s malicious code. An attacker can then take control of the application and go to another portion of the organization’s network.

Does this mean every Log4j-using software is vulnerable?

Never! Your application must record the field where an attacker may edit text. Imagine: Imagine you have a Java program that accepts account logins. Do you want to record failed logins? Probably! But that’s also a field an attacker may exploit to submit modified code.

3 steps internal teams should take to test Log4J vulnerabilities

Assess systems and determine the location of Log4J

Any company should review its systems to see where Log4j is used. It’s harder than it seems. Any Java-using program on your network can have an extension, including third-party and open-source apps. It’s time-consuming to detect if a library contains the vulnerable Log4J version. Java’s universality helps explain its popularity. This isn’t limited to Windows domains or one industry.

Perform a vulnerability scan

These can be found in many ways. In a perfect world, we’d all have software inventory tools that list every piece of software and its dependencies used by the company. Start with vulnerability scans. Endpoint tools like Tanium or Osquery help find and fix problems. Scripting is also helpful.

Apply the Log4J patch

When a security or development team detects and verifies Log4j use, they’ll patch as quickly as possible. In some cases, the manufacturer may remedy it. Businesses can use backup or alternative software if the manufacturer hasn’t patched their program. If not, improve network monitoring and detection.

Is the Apache patch enough?

It takes more effort to patch Log4j than to just run a patch once over your network. Because Log4j is an open-source logging plugin used by thousands, if not millions, of apps, it will take some time for businesses to even determine which applications on their network use it.

“Everyone should assume compromise”

If any of your applications use Java, your environment is probably vulnerable. It is more crucial than ever to keep an eye on network activity to spot any unexpected network behavior.

Second and third vulnerabilities to consider

Since the initial vulnerability was discovered, a second and a third security concern have been discovered. These additional weaknesses may lead to DDoS assaults on a network.

By releasing updated versions with remedies, Apache is making an attempt to remain on top of the freshly discovered vulnerabilities. Businesses should prepare for new releases in the near future even if the most recent version, Log4j 2.17.0, has just been made available.

Check for updates from Apache and, when patching, update to the most recent version.

Home networks are also a source of concern, even while it makes sense that major enterprises are presently focusing all of their time and resources on patching and remediating the most important systems. Think about your amazing IoT smart home devices, like your home routers, which aren’t patched or updated as frequently. Everyone must consider some of the ancillary consequences while considering how this may affect them.

Conclusion

We believe that the community will be discussing the Log4j issue for a time as hackers develop new exploits to take advantage of it. Businesses must invest heavily in security analytics and event response if they want to be secure.

With the release of more information, this vulnerability will grow. Whatever form it takes, we want to make sure you are prepared for it.