Apache Log4j Deserialization Remote Code Execution (CVE-2019-17571) Vulnerability Threat Alert

Apache Log4j Deserialization Remote Code Execution (CVE-2019-17571) Vulnerability Threat Alert

January 6, 2020 | Adeline Zhang

Vulnerability Description

On December 19 local time, Apache Software Foundation (ASF) officially released a security advisory, announcing that Apache Log4j has a deserialization issue that could cause remote code execution (CVE-2019-17571). Log4j is a Java-based open-source logging tool from the Apache Software Foundation. Log4j 1.2 includes a SocketServer class which can easily accept serialized log events and deserialize them without authentication. With the aid of deserialization tools, an attacker could use this class to remotely execute arbitrary code.

References:

https://www.mail-archive.com/announce@apache.org/msg05620.html

Scope of Impact

Affected Version

  • Apache Log4j <= 1.2.17

Official support for Apache Log4j 1.X was no longer available in August 2015.

Unaffected Version

  • Apache Log4j> = 2.8.2

Vulnerability Check

Users can determine whether the current application is vulnerable by checking the version.

Check the Apache Log4j version indicated in the pom.xml file:

If the current version is within the affected scope, there may be security risks.

Mitigations

  • Official Upgrade

Currently, this vulnerability has been fixed in Apache Log4j 2.8.2. Affected users are advised to update to 2.8.2 or later for protection.

Download link: https://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/download.html

  • Workarounds

If users cannot upgrade to V2.8.2 or later for the time being, they can also prevent the socket port enabled by the SocketServer class in Log4j from being opened to the public network.

Statement

This advisory is only used to describe a potential risk. NSFOCUS does not provide any commitment or promise on this advisory. NSFOCUS and the author will not bear any liability for any direct and/or indirect consequences and losses caused by transmitting and/or using this advisory. NSFOCUS reserves all the rights to modify and interpret this advisory. Please include this statement paragraph when reproducing or transferring this advisory. Do not modify this advisory, add/delete any information to/from it, or use this advisory for commercial purposes without permission from NSFOCUS.

About NSFOCUS

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