CVE-2021-44228: Apache Log4j2 JNDI features do not protect against attacker controlled LDAP and other JNDI related endpoints
Noroxi assessment
Priority: Now (action score 100/100)
- CISA has confirmed exploitation in the wild (Dec 10, 2021); it is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Remediation deadline for US federal agencies: Dec 24, 2021.
- A ready-made attack module is public (Metasploit, Nuclei); exploiting it takes no special expertise.
- Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days: 99.9% (FIRST EPSS); higher than 99.9% of all records.
- Anyone who can reach it over the internet can trigger it. No account or password is required. No user action is required. No special conditions are required; it is repeatable.
- According to CISA the attack is automatable: targets can be found by mass scanning.
- Fixed version: Apache Software Foundation Apache Log4j2 2.12.2, 2.15.0, 2.3.1.
- Mentioned 6 times in Turkish national cyber security advisories (siberguvenlik.gov.tr).
Patch today or shut off access. Upgrade to Apache Software Foundation Apache Log4j2 2.12.2, 2.15.0, 2.3.1 or later.
Generated automatically from the record's data: CVSS (NVD and CNA), CISA KEV and SSVC, FIRST EPSS, exploit sources, fixed versions. How we calculate it
Primary sources: NVD · CVE.org · CISA KEV · FIRST EPSS
Apache Log4j2 2.0-beta9 through 2.15.0 (excluding security releases 2.12.2, 2.12.3, and 2.3.1) JNDI features used in configuration, log messages, and parameters do not protect against attacker controlled LDAP and other JNDI related endpoints. An attacker who can control log messages or log message parameters can execute arbitrary code loaded from LDAP servers when message lookup substitution is enabled. From log4j 2.15.0, this behavior has been disabled by default. From version 2.16.0 (along with 2.12.2, 2.12.3, and 2.3.1), this functionality has been completely removed. Note that this vulnerability is specific to log4j-core and does not affect log4net, log4cxx, or other Apache Logging Services projects.
- BDU:2021-05969
- GHSA-jfh8-c2jp-5v3q
- DLA-2842-1
- DSA-5020-1
- openSUSE-SU-2021:1577-1
- openSUSE-SU-2021:1586-1
- openSUSE-SU-2021:1601-1
- openSUSE-SU-2021:1613-1
- openSUSE-SU-2021:3999-1
- openSUSE-SU-2021:4094-1
- openSUSE-SU-2021:4107-1
- openSUSE-SU-2021:4109-1
- openSUSE-SU-2024:11666-1
- RHSA-2025:1746
- RHSA-2025:1747
- SUSE-SU-2021:4096-1
- SUSE-SU-2021:4097-1
- Published
- Dec 10, 2021
- Updated
- Aug 11, 2026
- EPSS
- 99.9% · 99th percentile
- CWE
- CWE-20
Report tools
Action score
100
Patch today or shut off access.
- CVSS
- 40 / 40 · 10.0 / 10
- CISA KEV
- 30 / 30 · Listed
- EPSS
- 30 / 30 · 99.9%
CISA SSVC decision
- Exploitation
- active
- Automatable
- yes
- Technical impact
- total
Vulnrichment: CISA's decision-tree inputs.
Actively exploited in the wild
CISA added this to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Dec 10, 2021. That signals real attacks, not theory.
Remediation deadline for US federal agencies: Dec 24, 2021.
Known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Get told when this record changes
- In CISA KEV: exploitation in the wild confirmed
- Weaponized exploit exists
- A fix has been released
If any of these changes, we'll tell you in the daily email digest.
Is your version affected? Check itNoroxi analysis
What does it mean in your environment?
The assessment above is generated automatically from the record's data; it doesn't know your environment. Our team verifies on your systems whether this vulnerability is actually exploitable and which mitigation is enough.
We use this product, ask for helpAffected systems
Is your version affected?
Pick the product and type the version you run. It's compared with this record's version ranges in your browser; the version isn't sent anywhere.
| Vendor | Product | CPE |
|---|---|---|
| apache | log4j | cpe:2.3:a:apache:log4j |
| siemens | 6bk1602-0aa12-0tp0 firmware | cpe:2.3:o:siemens:6bk1602-0aa12-0tp0_firmware |
| siemens | 6bk1602-0aa12-0tp0 | cpe:2.3:h:siemens:6bk1602-0aa12-0tp0 |
| siemens | 6bk1602-0aa22-0tp0 firmware | cpe:2.3:o:siemens:6bk1602-0aa22-0tp0_firmware |
| siemens | 6bk1602-0aa22-0tp0 | cpe:2.3:h:siemens:6bk1602-0aa22-0tp0 |
| siemens | 6bk1602-0aa32-0tp0 firmware | cpe:2.3:o:siemens:6bk1602-0aa32-0tp0_firmware |
| siemens | 6bk1602-0aa32-0tp0 | cpe:2.3:h:siemens:6bk1602-0aa32-0tp0 |
| siemens | 6bk1602-0aa42-0tp0 firmware | cpe:2.3:o:siemens:6bk1602-0aa42-0tp0_firmware |
| siemens | 6bk1602-0aa42-0tp0 | cpe:2.3:h:siemens:6bk1602-0aa42-0tp0 |
| siemens | 6bk1602-0aa52-0tp0 firmware | cpe:2.3:o:siemens:6bk1602-0aa52-0tp0_firmware |
| siemens | 6bk1602-0aa52-0tp0 | cpe:2.3:h:siemens:6bk1602-0aa52-0tp0 |
| siemens | sppa-t3000 ses3000 firmware | cpe:2.3:o:siemens:sppa-t3000_ses3000_firmware |
and 154 more
Versions reported by the vendor
Affected version ranges reported by the assigning authority (apache). Independent of NVD's CPE analysis and usually ahead of it.
Apache Software Foundation Apache Log4j2
- 2.0-beta9 and later · before log4j-core*affectedfixed in 2.3.1, 2.12.2, 2.15.0
Affected versions · NVD (20)
NVD version ranges (for catalog products). Add the product to your stack with a version and matching uses these.
- apache log4j2.13.0 and later · before 2.15.0
- apache log4j2.0.1 and later · before 2.3.1
- apache log4j2.4.0 and later · before 2.12.2
- apache log4j2.0
- apple xcodebefore 13.3
- bentley synchro6.1 and later · before 6.2.4.2
- bentley synchro 4dbefore 6.4.3.2
- cisco advanced malware protection virtual private cloud appliancebefore 3.5.4
- cisco automated subsea tuningbefore 2.1.0
- cisco automated subsea tuning02.01.00
- cisco broadworksbefore 2021.11_1.162
- cisco broadworksall versions
- cisco business process automation3.1.000.000 and later · before 3.1.000.044
- cisco business process automationbefore 3.0.000.115
- cisco business process automation3.2.000.000 and later · before 3.2.000.009
- cisco cloud connectbefore 12.6\(1\)
- cisco cloudcenterbefore 4.10.0.16
- cisco cloudcenter cost optimizerbefore 5.5.2
- cisco cloudcenter suite4.10.0.15
- cisco cloudcenter suite5.3.0
Package-level exposure
OSV and GitHub Advisory data: ecosystem, package and range. SBOM matching uses this table.
| Ecosystem | Package | Affected range | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian:10 | apache-log4j2 | before 2.15.0-1~deb10u1 | 2.15.0-1~deb10u1 |
| Debian:11 | apache-log4j2 | before 2.15.0-1~deb11u1 | 2.15.0-1~deb11u1 |
| Debian:12 | apache-log4j2 | before 2.15.0-1 | 2.15.0-1 |
| Debian:9 | apache-log4j2 | before 2.7-2+deb9u1 | 2.7-2+deb9u1 |
| Maven | com.guicedee.services:log4j-core | up to and including 1.2.1.2-jre17 | — |
| Maven | org.apache.logging.log4j:log4j-core | from 2.0-beta9 · before 2.3.1 | 2.3.1 |
| Maven | org.apache.logging.log4j:log4j-core | from 2.13.0 · before 2.15.0 | 2.15.0 |
| Maven | org.apache.logging.log4j:log4j-core | from 2.4 · before 2.12.2 | 2.12.2 |
| Maven | org.ops4j.pax.logging:pax-logging-log4j2 | from 1.10.0 · before 1.10.8 | 1.10.8 |
| Maven | org.ops4j.pax.logging:pax-logging-log4j2 | from 1.11.0 · before 1.11.10 | 1.11.10 |
| Maven | org.ops4j.pax.logging:pax-logging-log4j2 | from 1.8.0 · before 1.9.2 | 1.9.2 |
| Maven | org.ops4j.pax.logging:pax-logging-log4j2 | from 2.0.0 · before 2.0.11 | 2.0.11 |
| Maven | org.xbib.elasticsearch:log4j | from 6.3.2.1 · up to and including 6.3.2.1 | — |
| Maven | uk.co.nichesolutions.logging.log4j:log4j-core | from 2.6.3-CUSTOM · up to and including 2.6.3-CUSTOM | — |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.2 | disruptor | before 3.4.4-lp152.2.3.1 | 3.4.4-lp152.2.3.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.2 | jakarta-servlet | before 5.0.0-lp152.2.1 | 5.0.0-lp152.2.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.2 | log4j | before 2.13.0-lp152.3.6.1 | 2.13.0-lp152.3.6.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.2 | log4j | before 2.16.0-lp152.3.9.1 | 2.16.0-lp152.3.9.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.2 | log4j | before 2.13.0-lp152.3.3.1 | 2.13.0-lp152.3.3.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.2 | logback | before 1.2.8-lp152.2.3.2 | 1.2.8-lp152.2.3.2 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.3 | disruptor | before 3.4.4-3.3.1 | 3.4.4-3.3.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.3 | jakarta-servlet | before 5.0.0-5.3.1 | 5.0.0-5.3.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.3 | log4j | before 2.13.0-4.3.1 | 2.13.0-4.3.1 |
| openSUSE:Leap 15.3 | log4j | before 2.13.0-4.6.1 | 2.13.0-4.6.1 |
+77
Same product
apache: all recordsOther highest-scoring records for the same primary product.
- CVE-2021-45046Apache Log4j2 Thread Context Message Pattern and Context Lookup Pattern vulnerable to a denial of service attackKEV96Now
- CVE-2017-5645In Apache Log4j 2.x before 2.8.2, when using the TCP socket server or UDP socket server to receive serialized log events from another…66This week
- CVE-2019-17571Included in Log4j 1.2 is a SocketServer class that is vulnerable to deserialization of untrusted data which can be exploited to remotely…60This week
Published before and after this one in the same product
- ← EarlierCVE-2020-9488Apr 27, 2020 · Improper validation of certificate with host mismatch in Apache Log4j SMTP appender.16Monitor
- Later →CVE-2021-4104Dec 14, 2021 · Deserialization of untrusted data in JMSAppender in Apache Log4j 1.254Plan
- Later →CVE-2021-45105Dec 18, 2021 · Apache Log4j2 does not always protect from infinite recursion in lookup evaluation53Plan
Remediation
Which version to upgrade to
Fix versions compiled from the vendor, package registries and Microsoft. Verify the vendor's note before upgrading.
| Product / package | Fixed version | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Apache Software Foundation Apache Log4j2 | 2.12.2 | Vendor (CNA) |
| Apache Software Foundation Apache Log4j2 | 2.15.0 | Vendor (CNA) |
| Apache Software Foundation Apache Log4j2 | 2.3.1 | Vendor (CNA) |
| debian:apache-log4j2 | 2.15.0-1 · Debian:12 | Package registry (OSV) |
| Maven:org.apache.logging.log4j:log4j-core | 2.12.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| Maven:org.apache.logging.log4j:log4j-core | 2.15.0 | Package registry (OSV) |
| Maven:org.apache.logging.log4j:log4j-core | 2.3.1 | Package registry (OSV) |
| Maven:org.ops4j.pax.logging:pax-logging-log4j2 | 1.10.8 | Package registry (OSV) |
| Maven:org.ops4j.pax.logging:pax-logging-log4j2 | 1.11.10 | Package registry (OSV) |
| Maven:org.ops4j.pax.logging:pax-logging-log4j2 | 1.9.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| Maven:org.ops4j.pax.logging:pax-logging-log4j2 | 2.0.11 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:disruptor | 3.4.4-lp152.2.3.1 · openSUSE:Leap 15.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:jakarta-servlet | 5.0.0-lp152.2.1 · openSUSE:Leap 15.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:log4j | 2.13.0-lp152.3.3.1 · openSUSE:Leap 15.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| opensuse:logback | 1.2.8-lp152.2.3.2 · openSUSE:Leap 15.2 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:eap7-jackson-databind | 0:2.8.11.6-2.SP1_redhat_00002.1.ep7.el7 · Red Hat:jboss_enterprise_application_platform_eus:7.1::el7 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:eap7-resteasy | 0:3.0.27-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.ep7.el7 · Red Hat:jboss_enterprise_application_platform_eus:7.1::el7 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:eap7-resteasy-atom-provider | 0:3.0.27-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.ep7.el7 · Red Hat:jboss_enterprise_application_platform_eus:7.1::el7 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:eap7-resteasy-cdi | 0:3.0.27-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.ep7.el7 · Red Hat:jboss_enterprise_application_platform_eus:7.1::el7 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:eap7-resteasy-client | 0:3.0.27-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.ep7.el7 · Red Hat:jboss_enterprise_application_platform_eus:7.1::el7 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:eap7-resteasy-crypto | 0:3.0.27-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.ep7.el7 · Red Hat:jboss_enterprise_application_platform_eus:7.1::el7 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:eap7-resteasy-jackson-provider | 0:3.0.27-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.ep7.el7 · Red Hat:jboss_enterprise_application_platform_eus:7.1::el7 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:eap7-resteasy-jackson2-provider | 0:3.0.27-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.ep7.el7 · Red Hat:jboss_enterprise_application_platform_eus:7.1::el7 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:eap7-resteasy-jaxb-provider | 0:3.0.27-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.ep7.el7 · Red Hat:jboss_enterprise_application_platform_eus:7.1::el7 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:eap7-resteasy-jaxrs | 0:3.0.27-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.ep7.el7 · Red Hat:jboss_enterprise_application_platform_eus:7.1::el7 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:eap7-resteasy-jettison-provider | 0:3.0.27-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.ep7.el7 · Red Hat:jboss_enterprise_application_platform_eus:7.1::el7 | Package registry (OSV) |
| red hat:eap7-resteasy-jose-jwt | 0:3.0.27-1.Final_redhat_00001.1.ep7.el7 · Red Hat:jboss_enterprise_application_platform_eus:7.1::el7 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:storm | 1.2.3-3.8.2 · SUSE:HPE Helion OpenStack 8 | Package registry (OSV) |
| suse:venv-openstack-monasca | 2.2.2~dev1-11.32.1 · SUSE:HPE Helion OpenStack 8 | Package registry (OSV) |
Exploit status
Weaponized
A ready exploit tool or active in-the-wild use is known for this vulnerability. This should be your top priority.
Evidence
- Metasploit module ×5
- Exploit-DB entry ×3
- Nuclei detection template ×46
- Proof-of-concept repository on GitHub ×50
Noroxi does not host or link to exploit code. Metasploit module names and Nuclei template ids are shown (names, not code); Exploit-DB entries and PoC repositories are given as counts only.
| Source | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Proof-of-concept repository on GitHub | 50 repositories | 2021-12-09 → 2021-12-11 |
| Exploit-DB entry | remote | 2023-04-01 |
| Exploit-DB entry | remote | 2021-12-14 |
| Exploit-DB entry | remote | 2021-12-14 |
| Metasploit module | auxiliary/scanner/http/log4shell_scannerLog4Shell HTTP Scannerauxiliary | 2021-12-09 |
| Metasploit module | exploit/linux/http/mobileiron_core_log4shellMobileIron Core Unauthenticated JNDI Injection RCE (via Log4Shell)exploit | 2021-12-12 |
| Metasploit module | exploit/multi/http/log4shell_header_injectionLog4Shell HTTP Header Injectionexploit | 2021-12-09 |
| Metasploit module | exploit/multi/http/ubiquiti_unifi_log4shellUniFi Network Application Unauthenticated JNDI Injection RCE (via Log4Shell)exploit | 2021-12-09 |
| Metasploit module | exploit/multi/http/vmware_vcenter_log4shellVMware vCenter Server Unauthenticated JNDI Injection RCE (via Log4Shell)exploit | 2021-12-09 |
| Nuclei detection template | Nuclei template CVE-2021-45046-DAST | — |
| Nuclei detection template | Nuclei template CVE-2021-44228 | — |
| Nuclei detection template | Nuclei template CVE-2021-45046 | — |
| Nuclei detection template | Nuclei template apache-druid-log4j-rce | — |
Research context
For pentesters and researchers: attack profile, score disagreement, timeline, patch commits, credits, variant and chain candidates, bug bounty scope. All derived from existing data; no exploit code.
Timeline
From publication to today: proof of concept, Metasploit module, CISA KEV and fix record. Dates are as reported by the sources.
- First PoC-1 d
- Metasploit-1 d
- CISA KEVsame day
- Published
- TodayNov 14, 2026+1800 d
Credits
All researchersFinders, reporters and analysts named in the CNA record. Click a name for that researcher’s other records.
- Chen ZhaojunAlibaba Cloud Security Team.
Bug bounty scope
The product’s vendor appears in a public program. Matched by name; verify the scope text in the program.
National notice (Türkiye Cybersecurity Directorate / USOM)
Official security notices citing this record; remediation advice is on the agency's page.
- TR-22-0612 · Sep 14, 2022(Microsoft Ürünleri Güvenlik Zafiyeti)
- TR-22-0436 · Jun 20, 2022(IBM Güvenlik Bildirimi)
- TR-22-0435 · Jun 17, 2022(RedHat Güvenlik Güncellemesi)
- TR-22-0271 · Mar 31, 2022(IBM Güvenlik Bildirimi)
- TR-22-0256 · Mar 29, 2022(Google Chrome Güvenlik Güncellemesi)
- TR-22-0248 · Mar 24, 2022(IBM Güvenlik Zafiyeti)
Not on record for this CVE: EPSS history · patch commit or PR link · variant or chain candidate.
Technical details
Attack conditions
- Anyone who can reach it over the internet can trigger it.
- No account or password is required.
- No user action is required.
- No special conditions are required; it is repeatable.
If successful
- Confidentiality
- high · data can be read
- Integrity
- high · data or configuration can be modified
- Availability
- high · the service can be disrupted
Impact can extend beyond the vulnerable component (scope changes).
- Attack vector
- Network
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Privileges required
- None
- User interaction
- None
- Scope
- Changed
- Confidentiality impact
- High
- Integrity impact
- High
- Availability impact
- High
Weakness class (CWE)
CWE-20 · Improper Input ValidationCVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
nvd-primary
Attack context
MITRE CAPEC attack patterns and ATT&CK techniques for this weakness class (CWE). A starting point for detection rules and threat hunting.
Attack patterns (CAPEC)
- Buffer Overflow via Environment VariablesCAPEC-10likelihood: High · High
- Server Side Include (SSI) InjectionCAPEC-101likelihood: High · High
- Cross Zone ScriptingCAPEC-104likelihood: Medium · High
- Command Line Execution through SQL InjectionCAPEC-108likelihood: Low · Very High
- Object Relational Mapping InjectionCAPEC-109likelihood: Low · High
- SQL Injection through SOAP Parameter TamperingCAPEC-110likelihood: High · Very High
- Double EncodingCAPEC-120likelihood: Low · Medium
- Subverting Environment Variable ValuesCAPEC-13likelihood: High · Very High
ATT&CK techniques
- Obfuscated Files or InformationT1027
- Masquerading: Invalid Code SignatureT1036.001
- Steal Web Session CookieT1539
- Subvert Trust Controls: Code SigningT1553.002
- Impair Defenses:Impair Command History LoggingT1562.003
- Hijack Execution Flow:Dynamic Linker HijackingT1574.006
- Hijack Execution Flow:Path Interception by PATH Environment VariableT1574.007
Change log (1)
- Fix✗ → ✓
For records you follow, these changes also arrive as notifications. →
References
Show all references (19 more)Show less
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2022/Mar/23
- www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/12/10/1
- www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/12/10/2
- www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/12/10/3
- www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/12/13/1
- www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/12/13/2
- www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/12/14/4
- www.openwall.com/lists/oss-security/2021/12/15/3
- cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-397453.pdf
- cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-479842.pdf
- cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-661247.pdf
- cert-portal.siemens.com/productcert/pdf/ssa-714170.pdf
- github.com/cisagov/log4j-affected-db
- github.com/cisagov/log4j-affected-db/blob/develop/SOFTWARE-LIST.md
- lists.debian.org/debian-lts-announce/2021/12/msg00007.html
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/M5CSVUNV4HWZZXGOKNSK6L7RPM7BOKIB/
- lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/package-announce%40lists.fedoraproject.org/message/VU57UJDCFIASIO35GC55JMKSRXJMCDFM/
- logging.apache.org/log4j/2.x/security.html
- msrc-blog.microsoft.com/2021/12/11/microsofts-response-to-cve-2021-44228-apache-log4j2/
Vendor advisories and official records. Exploit/PoC links are deliberately left out.