From Data Theft To Complete Control Of Computer Systems, Log4j Vulnerabilities Lurk In Internet-Connected Systems. Worse Point? Users Can Not Do Anything.
A new, dangerous cybersecurity vulnerability has been discovered that affects almost the entire Internet. It has caused many companies, from financial institutions to government agencies, to struggle to tweak their systems so criminals can exploit this cyber vulnerability.
According to Yahoo Finance, a new vulnerability known as Log4j affects a type of open-source login software. This software helps developers understand how their software performs and helps companies identify potential bugs and performance issues.
However, Log4j, part of the software provided by the Apache Foundation (open source), theoretically helps hackers gain control of the organization’s computers and networks.
Log4j vulnerabilities have been disclosed; however, implementing these patches on systems is crucial. Private and government organizations that use the Apache Foundation software do not have a brilliant track record of quickly updating their plans.
We are facing a severe problem.
“We have a” severe “problem. The nature of the vulnerability is such that it can affect many different parts of the software,” Justin Capes, an associate professor at New York University School of Engineering, told Yahoo Finance.
The main concern is that hackers will exploit Log4j to gain control of all unpatched systems and use them for their own purposes. Security experts say Log4j could enable cybercriminals to steal user data and control real-world infrastructure.
According to experts, Log4j is dangerous for two reasons: Apache Foundation software is widely used, and cybercriminals take advantage of this vulnerability, ” said Herb Lane, a senior fellow at Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation.
If you use a vulnerability, I can run my code on your system. It’s like I’m using your device, and now I can do everything you can do.
According to Lane, hackers can steal emails, destroy files, install ransomware, and do other things. However, the potential damage caused by Log4j does not end there. Herb Lane continues:
I can now take control of the generator to which your system is connected. This problem affects millions of systems worldwide.
Another big problem is that, as a user, you do not know if the companies you trust to protect your files will install patches quickly. “Caps says in part:
If there is a bug in Microsoft Word, I might say I don’t use Word, so I’m not worried about it. However, you may not know where Log4j is used at all.
According to a new Microsoft announcement, hackers are currently scanning systems for the Log4j vulnerability.
This means that hackers are trying to determine if potential victims are vulnerable. Of course, several hackers are already using Log4j to launch cyberattacks, installing Minerz Crypts on victims’ devices, stealing data, etc.
Microsoft claims that groups in Turkey, China, and North Korea are also developing tools to exploit the Log4j vulnerability. Several Chinese groups are using Log4j to strengthen their cyberattack capabilities.
Hackers have started exploiting Log4j.
The US Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency has instructed federal civilian agencies to patch their systems. The agency, which operates under the auspices of Homeland Security, has advised non-federal partners to do the same.
Troubleshooting vulnerabilities like Log4j requires companies to download the appropriate patch, but implementing updates is time-consuming.
One reason for the time lag is that companies need to ensure that new software updates do not affect their systems. Another critical point is that, as users, we can do practically nothing because Log4j is not a vulnerability most users can fix.
FAQ
What is the Log4j vulnerability?
It is a flaw in the Log4j logging library that allows attackers to run code remotely on a server.
Why was it so dangerous?
Log4j is used in thousands of applications, making the vulnerability easy to exploit and widespread.
How can systems be protected?
By updating Log4j to patched versions and auditing applications and services that rely on it.