Google Cloud is actively following the security vulnerability in the open-source Apache “Log4j 2" utility (CVE-2021-44228). We are currently assessing the potential impact of the vulnerability for Google Cloud products and services. This is an ongoing event and we will continue to provide updates through our customer communications channels. This advisory page will be updated to include relevant information on our assessment. 

Background: The Apache Log4j utility is a commonly used component for logging requests. On December 9, 2021, a vulnerability was reported that could allow a system running Apache Log4j version 2.14.1 or below to be compromised and allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code. 

On December 10, 2021, NIST published a critical Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure alert, CVE-2021-44228. More specifically, Java Naming Directory Interface (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 remote servers when message lookup substitution is enabled.

What should I do to protect myself? 

We strongly encourage customers who manage environments containing Log4j 2 to update to the latest version. 

Additional Google Cloud product and service-specific information:

Actifio: Actifio now believes that there is limited exposure to this vulnerability. Actifio Engineering is actively working to resolve this issue by upgrading the log4j library and will provide additional updates as available. Please visit https://now.actifio.com for the full statement (available to Actifio customers only).

Apigee: Apigee has conducted a detailed investigation and we believe that the Edge and OPDK products are not vulnerable to this exploit. Visit the Apigee Incident Report for more information. 

AppSheet: The AppSheet core platform runs on non-JVM (non-Java) based runtimes. At this time, we have identified no impact to core AppSheet functionality. Additionally, we have patched one Java-based auxiliary service in our platform. We will continue to monitor for affected services and patch or remediate as required.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact AppSheet Support. 

Cloud Armor: We have successfully validated and pushed a new preconfigured WAF rule in Cloud Armor to production for Cloud Armor customers that will help detect and help block attempted exploits of CVE-2021-44228 on their network. We will continue updating this advisory and rules. More information is available in our blog post. 

Cloud IDS: We have successfully validated and pushed new detection signatures to Cloud IDS (cloud-native network threat detection service) that will help detect attempted exploits of CVE-2021-44228 on their network. Existing Cloud IDS customers have the signatures enabled automatically. We will continue updating this advisory and rules as needed. More information is available in our blog post. 

Google Cloud VMWare Engine: We are working with VMWare and tracking VMSA-2021-0028.1. We will deploy fixes as they become available.

We will continue to provide relevant updates through our customer communication channels and this advisory page.