Apache Log4j 1.x: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
CVE-2022-23302 is a high-severity deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability in Apache Log4j 1.x from Apache, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 2.0-alpha1 as the first without the flaw, so updating Apache Log4j 1.x to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 63.8% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 0.76% of all scored CVEs.
Exploitation in the next 30 days is more likely than not, according to EPSS.
What to do
- Update Apache Log4j 1.x to 2.0-alpha1 or a later version.
- Update Reload4j to 1.2.18.1 or a later version.
- Update Communications Offline Mediation Controller to 12.0.0.4.4 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on lists.apache.org for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE; 2 further products are omitted here. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
| CVSS 2.0 | 6.0 | Medium | NVD |
Official description
JMSSink in all versions of Log4j 1.x is vulnerable to deserialization of untrusted data when the attacker has write access to the Log4j configuration or if the configuration references an LDAP service the attacker has access to. The attacker can provide a TopicConnectionFactoryBindingName configuration causing JMSSink to perform JNDI requests that result in remote code execution in a similar fashion to CVE-2021-4104. Note this issue only affects Log4j 1.x when specifically configured to use JMSSink, which is not the default. Apache Log4j 1.2 reached end of life in August 2015. Users should upgrade to Log4j 2 as it addresses numerous other issues from the previous versions.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Deserialization of Untrusted Data
The product deserializes untrusted data without sufficiently ensuring that the resulting data will be valid.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If available, use the signing/sealing features of the programming language to assure that deserialized data has not been tainted. For example, a hash-based message authentication code (HMAC) could be used to ensure that data has not been modified.
- When deserializing data, populate a new object rather than just deserializing. The result is that the data flows through safe input validation and that the functions are safe.
- Explicitly define a final object() to prevent deserialization.
More Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities (CWE-502)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- lists.apache.org/thread/bsr3l5qz4g0myrjhy9h67bcxodpkwj4wMailing List, Mitigation
- logging.apache.org/log4j/1.2/index.html
Patches and release notes
- oracle.com/security-alerts/cpuapr2022.htmlThird Party Advisory
- oracle.com/security-alerts/cpujul2022.htmlThird Party Advisory
Third-party and government advisories
- openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2022/01/18/3Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
- security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20220217-0006/Third Party Advisory
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Apache Log4j 1.x
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Recent Deserialization of Untrusted Data vulnerabilities
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Sitecore XP Remote Command Execution Exploited
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Apple iOS, macOS, watchOS Sandbox Bypass Exploited
- 9.8 Critical severity
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