Security Bulletin: IBM Cognos Controller 10.4.2 IF16: Apache Log4j vulnerability (CVE-2021-45046)

Summary

IBM Cognos Controller is affected by a security vulnerability. Apache Log4j is used by IBM Cognos Controller as part of its logging infrastructure. This bulletin addresses the exposure to the Apache Log4j (CVE-2021-45046) vulnerability. IBM Cognos Controller has upgraded Apache Log4j to v2.16. Please note that this update also addresses CVE-2021-44228.

Vulnerability Details

CVEID:CVE-2021-45046
**DESCRIPTION:**Apache Log4j could result in remote code execution, caused by an incomplete fix of CVE-2021-44228 in certain non-default configurations. When the logging configuration uses a non-default Pattern Layout with a Context Lookup, an attacker with control over Thread Context Map (MDC) input data can craft malicious input data using a JNDI Lookup pattern to leak sensitive information and remote code execution in some environments and local code execution in all environments.
CVSS Base score: 9
CVSS Temporal Score: See: https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/215195 for the current score.
CVSS Vector: (CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H)

Affected Products and Versions

IBM Cognos Controller 10.4.2

Please note clients using IBM Cognos Analytics in combination with all versions of IBM Cognos Controller should reference Security Bulletin: IBM Cognos Analytics: Apache Log4j vulnerability (CVE-2021-45046) for important updates regarding IBM Cognos Analytics.

Remediation/Fixes

If you have the listed affected version, it is strongly recommended that you apply the most recent security update:

Download IBM Cognos Controller 10.4.2 IF16 from Fix Central

Please note that this update also addresses CVE-2021-44228.

Remediation for IBM Cognos Controller on Cloud has completed.

Workarounds and Mitigations

The IBM Cognos Controller team developed a “no-upgrade” option for our “On Prem” (local installation) customers.

To get the patch and detailed instructions, click this link: IBM Cognos Controller 10.4.2.0 Apache Log4j Work-around

The patch is applicable to IBM Cognos Controller version 10.4.2.

The instructions will guide you to replace the log4j vulnerable files manually without impacting your current product version.

Please note that this mitigation also addresses CVE-2021-45105.