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Apache Log4j 2.x < 2.17.0 DoS

medium Nessus Plugin ID 156183

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Synopsis

A package installed on the remote host is affected by a denial of service vulnerability.

Description

The version of Apache Log4j on the remote host is 2.x < 2.3.1 / 2.13.2 / 2.17.0. It is, therefore, affected by a denial of service vulnerability. Apache Log4j2 versions 2.0-alpha1 through 2.16.0 did not protect from uncontrolled recursion from self-referential lookups. When the logging configuration uses a non-default Pattern Layout with a Context Lookup (for example, $${ctx:loginId}), attackers with control over Thread Context Map (MDC) input data can craft malicious input data that contains a recursive lookup, resulting in a StackOverflowError that will terminate the process.

Note that Nessus has not tested for these issues but has instead relied only on the application's self-reported version number.

Solution

Upgrade to Apache Log4j version 2.3.1, 2.12.3, 2.17.0 or later, or apply the vendor mitigation.

Upgrading to the latest versions for Apache Log4j is highly recommended as intermediate versions / patches have known high severity vulnerabilities and the vendor is updating their advisories often as new research and knowledge about the impact of Log4j is discovered. Refer to https://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/security.html for the latest versions.

See Also

https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-p6xc-xr62-6r2g

https://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/security.html

Plugin Details

Severity: Medium

ID: 156183

File Name: apache_log4j_2_17_0.nasl

Version: 1.11

Type: local

Agent: windows, macosx, unix

Family: Misc.

Published: 12/18/2021

Updated: 4/11/2022

Configuration: Enable thorough checks

Supported Sensors: Nessus Agent, Nessus

Risk Information

VPR

Risk Factor: Medium

Score: 6.6

CVSS v2

Risk Factor: Medium

Base Score: 4.3

Temporal Score: 3.7

Vector: CVSS2#AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:N/I:N/A:P

CVSS Score Source: CVE-2021-45105

CVSS v3

Risk Factor: Medium

Base Score: 5.9

Temporal Score: 5.7

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

Temporal Vector: CVSS:3.0/E:H/RL:O/RC:C

Vulnerability Information

CPE: cpe:/a:apache:log4j

Required KB Items: installed_sw/Apache Log4j

Exploit Available: true

Exploit Ease: Exploits are available

Patch Publication Date: 12/18/2021

Vulnerability Publication Date: 12/18/2021

Reference Information

CVE: CVE-2021-45105

IAVA: 0001-A-0650, 2021-A-0573, 2021-A-0598