Log4j, widely used in IT infrastructures, can be defined as a Java–based logging tool. Log4j, which allows recording all user movements within the network, evolved into a zero–day attack, bringing specific security vulnerabilities. The Log4j library, which enables IT team members to record everything that happens in applications and servers, can create a suitable cyber–attack ground for hackers if necessary precautions are not taken.

Some features of the Log4j log in this type of vulnerability pave the way for cyber attackers to execute code remotely. When a cyber attacker can execute code remotely on your network, he gets the chance to access all devices and servers connected to the network. Thus, it can create security vulnerabilities by accessing critical data stacks on your network.

Accessing the Log4j library can cause a series of data breaches.

What is Log4j Vulnerability

Generally speaking, Log4j is a logging utility that is one of the few Java logging frameworks written in Java.

The version of Log4j that causes the frequently talked about vulnerability these days is Log4j 2, an update that brings significant changes compared to Log4j 1. x, the previous version of Log4j. This version, which eliminates some problems in the architecture of Logback, has also revealed a worldwide vulnerability.

Log4j, which is actively used in many different Java applications thanks to its optional logging capacity, is a Java–based library and can appear unexpectedly because it is used by millions of Java users worldwide.

Log4j, which is included in Java log systems, can violate various aspects of access security due to its structure that paves the way for unauthorized access. In addition, Log4j makes your online network built on Java vulnerable to different types of cyberattacks. As a result, authorized account access security in your IT infrastructure can be easily breached.

Vulnerability in Log4j allows cyber attackers to execute code remotely. While cyber attackers can easily capture the data of your organization and employees through exposed servers, they can also install malicious software on devices in your IT infrastructure. Although Apache is trying to fix the Log4j vulnerability with its latest release, the information security risk continues for organizations that prefer to use the Java library in question.

For organizations, using Log4j logging in a poorly protected IT infrastructure poses excellent risks, given the potential for both sensitive data to be stolen and servers and devices to become inoperable. To better understand the damage that Log4j can cause to organizations, it is helpful to take a detailed look at the working principle of the relevant library and the environments it affects.

How Log4j Vulnerability Works and Which Environments Does It Affect

In other words, the method of keeping logs of the Log4j logging tool establishes the root cause of data security breaches that may occur regarding authorized access on your network. In addition, since the way the Log4j library works is open to outside interference, cyber attackers have the chance to run the codes remotely by sending a message containing malicious code.

This code, which hackers insert into your servers via Log4j, causes an external code class or private message lookup to load. In this way, cyber attackers can quickly execute code on your network.

Another point to be aware of is that if you have any internet-connected device in your IT infrastructure and are running versions of the Log4j library from 2.0 to 2.14.1, it is very likely at risk.

To protect from the Log4j vulnerability, patching and following new patches are the first steps to be taken.

You can protect your network from vulnerability by upgrading the logging tool to version 2.15.0 and above.

Finally, you can avoid the Log4j update problem by removing the JndiLookup and JndiManager classes from the Log4j–core jar. These primary methods are based on patches and updates to prevent the Log4j vulnerability.

At this stage, it is helpful to check whether the regulations implement the access security protocols within the company. Suppose you have not done any work in terms of access and data security. In that case, you can use Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions to more effectively protect your IT infrastructure against Log4j vulnerability and possible data breaches.

PAM applications, which prevent data breaches that cyber attackers can create through authorized accounts, can also play an essential role in preventing this vulnerability, facilitating the capture of information belonging to privileged accounts. In addition, elite Access Management systems can easily control authorized access and give you complete control over your IT infrastructure, thanks to the solutions it contains.

Products Affected by Log4J Vulnerability

Log4J versions 2.0–beta9 through 2.14.1 (inclusive) are affected by this vulnerability. Also, the affected products are as follows:

• Kafka
• Flume
• NetApp
• Apache
• VMWare
• ElasticSearch