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The Log4j Vulnerability and How to Protect Your Business Against a Log4j-based Attack? secureflo.net
As part of the Apache software library, Log4j runs on UNIX-based operating systems (Linux, Solaris, Digital UNIX, and AIX), Microsoft Windows, and others. Developed by the ASF, Log4j is used to create a “log” or record of activity on the web server. Software developers also use Log4j to diagnose difficulties and track data within their programs running on the server.
Because it’s part of Apache’s free, open-source library, Log4j is widely used in software packages and online services. One of the reasons the Log4j flaw was ranked as a 10 out of 10 risk is because exploiting the vulnerability requires little to no technical expertise. As a result, Log4j-based attacks could become the most dangerous computer vulnerability in the coming years.
Log4j keeps track of events on web servers, including ordinary system processes and faults, and sends out diagnostic warnings to system administrators and users.
Type the wrong URL in the address bar of your internet browser, and no web page will open. Instead, the ‘404 not found’ message is displayed on your screen. The web server sends you a message saying the webpage you are trying to open does not exist. You have experienced some of the functions of Log4j.
Similarly, you may encounter Log4j functions while using PC or mobile gaming apps. If built using Log4j, the application may send you messages regarding the memory used and other app-related information.
Since Log4j is open-source software, many web services use it, and the web servers log their activity in Log4j. When a vulnerability is discovered, hackers will try to find a way to exploit it to steal sensitive data or send malicious payloads.
Cybercriminals can use the Log4j flaw to steal personal data, block control of the targeted machines, and spread malicious content to other users communicating with the impacted server. They might use third-party servers to upload software code to Log4j to conduct various tasks on the targeted machine.
The discovery of the Log4j vulnerability provides hackers with a large user base of vulnerable systems to attack. From working professionals to ordinary people, just about everyone is susceptible to a cyber attack when accessing websites and using web applications that include Log4j in the code.
Diligent hackers will scan the global internet to locate and identify vulnerable servers they can target. These criminals might create a system to send malicious content to targeted servers. To initiate an attack, hackers look for query services to start an attack and trigger the log message, such as “404 not found” or a similar error. Then they might send a query message that is carefully crafted so that Log4j interprets it as a command. Once executed, the hacker can access the targeted server remotely. The hacker might combine multiple compromised servers to organize an even larger coordinated attack on more web servers.
How can you evaluate the Log4j vulnerability at your organization? First, you need to identify all your applications that use open-source Apache web server software and use Log4J to log activities and get alerts.
Protecting against the Log4j vulnerability starts with patching Log4j in all the vulnerable applications with a newer version that has been patched to fix the flaw. You may need to corral the resources of your IT team and get assistance from your partners and vendors. Larger companies with a more mature security program and established security policies may be able to identify impacted apps and patch them all more quickly than smaller companies with fewer resources.
Completing these steps can help you protect your business from the Log4j vulnerability:
1. Review and inventory all in-house and vendor applications that use Log4j
2. Rank the risk of each application based upon the data it manages.
3. Determine your recovery time objective (RTO) and recovery processing objective (RPO) for each app in the event of log4j vulnerabilities exploit.
4. Develop a patch schedule prioritizing the most critical application to get updated first.
5. Work with your IT team and vendors to test and deploy patches to all affected applications.
6. Review all your network security controls.
7. Develop or enhance threat analytics to protect against malicious malware.
For many websites and web apps using Apache’s open-source web server software, Log4j provides notifications and logs web server activities. The ASF disclosed the Log4j vulnerability in early December 2021 and began fixing the software issue by mid-December.
Any organization using Apache should determine which apps use Log4j, prioritize the risk of each app, and begin patching your software as soon as possible. SecureFLO recommends frequently updating and patching all critical software to stay ahead of current and emerging cyber threats. A robust approach to vulnerability management includes documenting and implementing a software patch process for your business.
SecureFLO can help you identify your at-risk software, assist you in responding to vulnerabilities found, and remediate those issues. Learn more about these services here.
