CVE-2021-44228: Apache Log4j2 Remote Code Execution (Log4Shell)

CRITICAL CVSS 10 CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H CWE-502 CISA KEV · Known exploited

Published 2021-12-10T11:15:07.507 Updated 2024-11-21T08:47:47.587

Summary

Apache Log4j2 2.0-beta9 through 2.15.0 (excluding security releases 2.12.2, 2.12.3, and 2.3.1) JNDI features used in configuration, log messages, and parameters do not protect against attacker-controlled LDAP and other JNDI related endpoints. 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.

Why It Matters

CRITICAL severity — known to be exploited in the wild(CISA KEV);action required: For all affected software assets for which updates exist, the only acceptable remediation actions are: 1) Apply updates; OR 2) remove affected assets from agency networks. Temporary mitigations using one of the measures provided at https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ed-22-02-apache-log4j-recommended-mitigation-measures are only acceptable until updates are available.;affects Log4j2.

Risks left unpatched can lead to remote code execution, data exposure or lateral movement — verify exposure against the affected software below.

Current Status

  • Vulnerability status: Known exploited (CISA KEV)
  • Last intelligence update: 2024-11-21 · source: NVD
  • CISA KEV added: 2021-12-10 · remediation deadline: 2021-12-24

Entity Activity Timeline

  1. 2021-12-10 — Added to CISA KEV as known-exploited · action: For all affected software assets for which updates exist, the only acceptable remediation actions are: 1) Apply updates; OR 2) remove affected assets from agency networks. Temporary mitigations using one of the measures provided at https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ed-22-02-apache-log4j-recommended-mitigation-measures are only acceptable until updates are available.
  2. 2021-12-10 — NVD publication / disclosure
  3. 2024-11-21 — Intelligence record updated(NVD sync)

Severity

CRITICAL

CVSS Score: 10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

Known Exploited (CISA KEV)

Known Exploited Vulnerability

Added: 2021-12-10 · Remediation deadline: 2021-12-24

For all affected software assets for which updates exist, the only acceptable remediation actions are: 1) Apply updates; OR 2) remove affected assets from agency networks. Temporary mitigations using one of the measures provided at https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ed-22-02-apache-log4j-recommended-mitigation-measures are only acceptable until updates are available.

Source Attribution

Source: NVD · Updated: 2024-11-21T08:47:47.587 · Confidence: high

Impact

Based on CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H — assess confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact via the official vector documentation.

Affected Software

  • Log4j2 (Apache)
    Affected: 2.0-beta9 - 2.15.0
    Fix: 2.15.0

Fix

Upgrade affected software to the fixed version identified above. Apply vendor patches and monitor advisories before exposed systems go unpatched.

Sources & Evidence

2 reference(s) · attribution: NVD

Start Investigation

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  5. Sources — NVD, CISA KEV, MITRE ATT&CK, vendor advisories.
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