Log4j Security Flaw Cripples the Internet
The software world was shaken as a critical security issue raised red flags for cyber security experts. Every company rushed to find a solution so attackers couldn’t access their servers.
This critical software flaw or vulnerability was reported in “Log4j,” a Java-based software, and promptly named “Log4shell”. Unfortunately, it’s so new that no patch was available to quickly fix this vulnerability.
What Is Log4j?
Log4j is a popular java-based online logging utility. It provides software developers an easy way to build multiple programs with troubleshooting, auditing, data tracking, and many other functions.
This online login library is an open and free source, connected with every part of the internet. That is why it is possible that without directly using Log4j, you are still connected to it in some way. For example, using one of the open-source libraries running on Log4j code will also leave you open to being affected by Log4shell vulnerability.
All the big software companies use Log4j code. The most significant users of this java logging library are Apple, IBM, Cisco, Google, Amazon, and Oracle. But this software is live in millions of apps and hundreds of devices worldwide. Due to this, every device accessing Log4j using apps became exposed to this zero-day vulnerability.
What Is Zero-Day Vulnerability?
A zero-day vulnerability is a widely known software vulnerability that doesn’t yet have a patch to fix it. This gives hackers ample time to exploit this vulnerability anytime in a zero-day exploit.
Additionally, zero-day exploits pose a higher risk to users because they are undiscovered. Therefore, security researchers have no instant patch for this issue.
So, as soon as hackers find this vulnerability, they try to cash in with their schemes. Also, as long as the vendor does not issue a patch, the software is exposed to every cyber security attack.
What Protection Businesses Need Against Log4j Vulnerability?
Log4j is a dangerous threat because if you are connected with even one server using Java scripted library, it compromises the entire server and all those connected to it. For this reason, every organization faces a critical security threat.
This makes it important to determine in real-time if and when they get exposed to this threat to control the fallout before it threatens the entire IT infrastructure and those connected.
However, finding the culprit is not an easy task as the security team needs to search the entire IT infrastructure regardless of what server they are using. This is because Windows, Mac, and many other famous server providers use Java code and are susceptible to this security flaw.
Therefore, companies need to find a fast and reliable solution to find the weak link and apply vendor patches. Moreover, companies need to prepare a safety net before the problem arises, so it is quickly patched to avoid cyber security attacks.
The best solution is to pair with Skyline IT Service located in San Diego in this dangerous situation. Their team of IT consultants guides companies to be proactive and stay secure from zero-day vulnerabilities. They can also securely access your server to run diagnostics and apply the latest 2.17 version patch everywhere they find Log4j vulnerability.
How Does Log4j’s Impact, its Users?
Most people using Log4j coded programs on their home computers or mobile don’t even know what Log4j and its vulnerabilities are. As a result, those users are at high risk of cyber information theft. Hackers can access their personal stored files in various applications and use them to their advantage.
Log4j vulnerability creates a major threat for business owners as it is built using one of the top programming languages used in the business world. If security teams can’t instantly control this cyber security threat, it can lead to issues such as:
- Attackers can run any code and quickly access all the confidential data on the affected device
- They can also gain access to client information, discrediting the business organization
- They can temper the data, delete it, or download it on their server to access the business’s confidential information anytime
- Cyber security attackers can destroy a business and also blackmail them for ransom
In short, no matter what functions and encryptions businesses use to secure their private servers, attackers can also exploit them. Moreover, as attackers gain complete control of the Log4j bases server, they can also attack user-controlled data. The reason is that user-controlled data is often synced with server log messages, and the attacker inserts JNDI references in the system. It directly points all the data towards the LDAP server they control to introduce any malicious Java classes to perform their selected commands.
As a result, businesses might end up facing lawsuits for endangering customer data and not securing their systems against cyber security breaches.
How Companies Suffered From Log4j?
As Log4j’s open-source library is widely used in the tech industry, it leaves most organizations open to cyber security attacks.
If it was any other vulnerability, the chances are that their security teams would have patches ready to control the damage instantly. However, there aren’t any ready-made solutions to slow down and curtail the damage caused by Log4j zero-day vulnerability. This gives attackers enough time to gleam all the data they want from a network.
Some notable victims by Log4j include :
Amazon Web Services
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is still fixing the Log4j vulnerability that compromised open-source code services. For example, AWS Greengrass, an IoT (Internet of Things) open-source runtime and cloud service, helps its users to build and manage device software, was down due to Log4j vulnerability.
They have recently launched their new and patched AWS Greengrass versions that mitigate all the open-source frameworks’ issues. However, AWS is committed to providing secure service that is why these new versions reduce the threats posed by frameworks installed on customers’ EMR from untrusted sources.
Broadcom
Broadcom is also among the companies that were affected by Log4j vulnerability. They officially announced that they are trying to determine whether some or all versions of their CA Advanced Authentication, Symantec SiteMinder unified access management, and VIP Authentication Hub products are affected by the vulnerability.
Their other company in San Jose also shut down their systems to determine Log4j vulnerability effects. However, they have not found any impact so far. Therefore, for the time being, they have advised their customers to disable all the products that use the Log4j library.
Cisco
Cisco suffered from Log4j vulnerability as thirty-five of its tools across multiple product areas shut down. Some of their services that bear the worst impact are:
- Collaboration and social media
- Network and content security devices
- Network management and provisioning
- Routing and switching
- Unified computing
- Voice and unified communications
- Video
So far, Cisco has only been able to fix four of them. They are still evaluating their systems to improve and update the rest of the tools. Moreover, at Cisco’s cloud offering company, five tools were affected by the vulnerability, while seven are still under threat.
ConnectWise
ConnectWise uses a third-party platform to provide professional services automation (PSA). Due to this, they instantly instructed their customers to terminate these platforms’ services until the situation was resolved.
Even though ConnectWise didn’t observe any exploitation, they still suspended its service purchase to minimize vendor exposure. The company also restricted all host network access to identify and patch potential targets. As a result, they have resumed activity for some servers, but some platforms are still under restoration process.
Fortinet
Fortinet’s twelve products were hit by the Log4j vulnerability, leaving them open for attackers to control log messages and log message parameters through arbitrary code. They recently announced that three of their products are restored, and precautionary measures are implemented so attackers don’t have access to exploit their servers. But so far, Fortinet has not found a solution for their other affected seven tools.
HCL
HCL collaborates with platforms that use Log4j, leaving them at risk of remote code execution. They’ve asked their customers to upgrade their installed software using a patched version. Even though they have created a patch to eradicate all chances of cyber security attacks, they were still vulnerable to remote code execution through arbitrary code.
Conclusion
Log4j vulnerability is a severe issue in the tech world as attackers use it to gain complete control over another company’s Log4j using servers. As recently there was no Log4j vulnerability patch available, it raised a threat for all big and small companies.
Even though the solution for this vulnerability is found now, most companies are still under its impact. It has resulted in lost revenue and customers as they still cannot operate their most products and services. Additionally, users are afraid of attackers accessing their confidential information.
Be proactive and contact Skyline IT service’s tech experts. We can help you figure out how to manage these problems best and protect your customers while maintaining future revenue.