CVE-2021-44228: Apache Log4j2 Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Apache Log4j2 contains a vulnerability where JNDI features do not protect against attacker-controlled JNDI-related endpoints, allowing for remote code execution.
| Vendor | Apache |
|---|---|
| Product | Log4j2 |
| Date added to KEV | 2021-12-10 |
| Due date (BOD 22-01) | 2021-12-24 |
| Known ransomware campaign use | Known |
| CWE | CWE-20, CWE-400, CWE-502 |
| Required 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. |
What to do
- Identify every instance of Apache Log4j2 in your environment (asset inventory, EDR, vulnerability scanner).
- Apply CISA's required 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.
- Federal civilian agencies must act by 2021-12-24 under BOD 22-01; other organizations can use the same date as a target.
- Because ransomware use is known, check for signs of compromise and confirm backups are offline and tested.
- Check the vendor advisory and NVD entry linked below for affected versions, then record the fix in your change log.
This CVE is flagged by CISA as known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Rehearse your response before you need it: Ransomware tabletop exercise kit (Runbook Foundry).
Sources
- NVD entry for CVE-2021-44228 (severity scores, if any, live there)
- CISA KEV catalog entry
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-44228