CVE-2023-26464:Apache Log4j 1.x vulnerability allows DoS attacks through specially-crafted hashmaps when using Chainsaw or SocketAppender on JRE less than 1.7.

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In Apache Log4j 1.x versions running on Java Runtime Environment (JRE) versions less than 1.7, there is a vulnerability in the Chainsaw and SocketAppender components. An attacker who can cause a logging entry with a specially-crafted, deeply nested hashmap or hashtable to be processed could trigger a denial-of-service condition by exhausting available memory in the virtual machine during deserialization. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for legacy systems still running on older Java versions with Log4j 1.x, which is no longer supported by Apache. Users are strongly recommended to upgrade to Log4j 2.x to mitigate this issue.

Overview

CVE-2023-26464 affects Apache Log4j 1.x when used with Java Runtime Environment (JRE) versions prior to 1.7. The vulnerability exists in the Chainsaw and SocketAppender components, which are susceptible to denial-of-service attacks through memory exhaustion. When these components process log entries containing specially-crafted, deeply nested hashmaps or hashtables (depending on which logging component is in use), the deserialization process can consume excessive memory resources, eventually causing the application to crash. This vulnerability is particularly noteworthy because it affects legacy systems running on outdated software that is no longer supported by the maintainers, making it potentially more difficult to address in production environments where upgrades may be challenging.

Remediation

The recommended remediation for this vulnerability is to upgrade to Apache Log4j 2.x, which is not affected by this issue. Since Log4j 1.x is no longer supported, no security patches will be released for the affected versions. If upgrading is not immediately possible, organizations should consider the following mitigations:

  1. Upgrade the JRE to version 1.7 or higher, which provides some protection against this type of attack.
  2. Avoid using the vulnerable components (Chainsaw and SocketAppender) if possible.
  3. Implement strict input validation for logged data to prevent deeply nested structures.
  4. Consider implementing memory limits for the Java Virtual Machine to contain the impact of potential attacks.
  5. Monitor system resources for unusual memory consumption patterns that might indicate an attack.
  6. Plan and schedule a migration to Log4j 2.x as soon as feasible, as this is the only complete solution.

References

  1. Apache Security Announcement: https://lists.apache.org/thread/wkx6grrcjkh86crr49p4blc1v1nflj3t
  2. NetApp Security Advisory: https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20230505-0008/
  3. MITRE CVE Record: CVE-2023-26464
  4. Apache Log4j Migration Guide: https://logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/manual/migration.html

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  2. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  3. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  4. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  5. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  8. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  9. Utilities
    Utilities
  10. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  11. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  12. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  13. Information
    Information
  14. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  15. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  16. Mining
    Mining
  17. Construction
    Construction
  18. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  19. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  20. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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