Remote code execution in IBM Sterling Global Mailbox (Apache Log4j component)

1) Code Injection

EUVDB-ID: #VU58976

Risk: High

CVSSv3.1: 8.5 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:P/RL:U/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-45046

CWE-ID: CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')

Exploit availability: Yes

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to compromise the affected system.

The vulnerability exists due to incomplete patch in Apache Log4j 2.15.0 for a code injection vulnerability #VU58816 (CVE-2021-44228) in certain non-default configurations. A remote attacker with control over Thread Context Map (MDC) input data when the logging configuration uses a non-default Pattern Layout with either a Context Lookup (for example, $${ctx:loginId}) or a Thread Context Map pattern (%X, %mdc, or %MDC) can pass malicious data using a JNDI Lookup pattern and perform a denial of service (DoS) attack, exfiltrate data or execute arbitrary code.

Later discovery demonstrates a remote code execution on macOS but no other tested environments.

Mitigation

Cybersecurity Help is currently unaware of any official solution to address this vulnerability.

Vulnerable software versions

IBM Sterling Global Mailbox (GM): 6.0.0.0 - 6.1.1.0

External links

http://www.ibm.com/blogs/psirt/security-bulletin-apache-log4j-vulnerability-impacts-ibm-sterling-global-mailbox-cve-2021-45046/
http://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/6537760

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

How the attacker can exploit this vulnerability?

The attacker would have to send a specially crafted request to the affected application in order to exploit this vulnerability.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability. However, proof of concept for this vulnerability is available.