Will The Log4j Raise Security Concerns?

Cybersecurity

5 MIN READ

December 20, 2021

Log4j

A recent security vulnerability has caused a stir in the world of cybersecurity. A weakness in Log4j, an Apache Software Foundation Java-based logging application, is the source of the danger. Since Log4j is in use by many services, this threat can open the door to potentially devastating cyber security threats. According to Log4j security experts, millions of devices are at risk. Also, there are reports that hackers have begun to look for ways to exploit vulnerabilities within the target’s computer systems. On the worse side, determining which systems have been hacked has become a significant barrier for many businesses. This is mainly because it hides under layers of other applications that are difficult to track. Therefore, to protect against such Log4j attacks, it is important to be aware of this recent Log4j security vulnerability. Here’s everything you should know about this flaw.

What Is The Purpose Of Apache Log4j?

Apache Log4j is a Java-based logging system that is dependable, quick, and configurable. Apps and services all across the internet make use of this logging library. It’s one of the most used technologies for gathering data across corporate computer networks, websites, and apps. Developers use Log4j to track what happens in their software applications or internet services. Log4j has seen millions of downloads thanks to the nonprofit Apache Software Foundation’s free distribution. 

The Storm Is Still Thundering!

Systems in almost every field have seen progress digitally, for automated and remote management. One approach to accomplish this is by the usage of software and programs that make use of Log4j. Now, Log4j has become a security threat. Cybersecurity firm Check Point identified more than 1.8 million attempts to exploit the Log4j flaw since it went public. Experts are warning that at present, this flaw is being taken advantage of. According to the researchers, exploitation of Log4j in cryptocurrency mining has already taken place. Mainly the mining leverages computer cycles to mine the digital currency in secret in five countries. 

 

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s executive assistant director, Eric Goldstein, said he was unaware of any agency that has been hacked using the Log4j security issue. US officials have seen very low-level activity so far, according to Mr. Goldstein, but it is still early. “What we have here is a widely distributed, easily exploitable, and possibly highly devastating vulnerability that adversaries could use to cause severe damage,” he added. 

State-Backed Hackers Are Eyeing Log4j Vulnerability

State-backed hackers from China and Iran have already exploited the vulnerability and many others are following the same path. As more software makers use open-source software, this risk is becoming more apparent. Despite the fact that patches are readily available, many businesses have yet to implement them. To help victims, CISA has published the Apache log4j vulnerability guide. United States officials said they are in regular contact with cyber security firms, cloud service providers, and telecommunications firms. This helps them to exchange information about the Log4j security threat and efforts to combat it. The Biden administration also issued a security directive that mandates government entities patch their systems by Christmas Eve to fix the problem.

Actions That Can Save You From Log4j Vulnerability

The identification and remediation of Log4j vulnerability should be a top priority for cybersecurity leaders. Begin by conducting a thorough audit of every internet-connected or public-facing application or system within your realm of responsibility. This includes self-hosted vendor product installations as well as cloud-based services. Pay special attention to systems that store sensitive operational data like customer information and login credentials. After you’ve completed this audit, focus on remote employees and make sure they’ve updated their personal devices and routers. These are the critical links in the log4j security chain. In general, now is the time to activate formal severe incident response procedures in accordance with organizational incident response plans. This Log4j vulnerability is unlikely to go away for at least the next year, necessitating constant monitoring.

However, with Log4j 2.15.0, the most recent version of the Log4j library, the problem has been significantly put to rest. The new update has a message lookup substitution disabled by default. Thus, all IT teams should identify all Java-based code in their network & determine whether it makes use of the Log4j library. If Log4j is used in third-party applications, make every effort to keep them updated with the most recent version. More products may release patches in the coming days and weeks. So, organizations should make sure to check for updates on a regular basis. There’s a chance you don’t know anything about using Log4j. In that case, consult your in-house developers or third-party suppliers such as Ksolves, a leading software development firm. We’ll assist you in resolving your Log4j security issues.

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Khwaja Mohammad Tauheed
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