CVE-2021-44228
CRITICALCISA KEVEPSS 100th pctlDescription
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.
How to fix
TridentStack Control can deploy fixes like this automatically across your Windows, macOS, and Linux fleet. See how it works
Remediation is compiled from vendor and distribution security advisories. Always confirm against the linked source for your exact version and platform.
CVSS v3 Vector
Exploitability
Impact
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
Exploit Intelligence
Very high risk: more likely to be exploited than 100% of all known CVEs.
Apache Log4j2 Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
Apache Log4j2 contains a vulnerability where JNDI features do not protect against attacker-controlled JNDI-related endpoints, allowing for remote code execution.
For all affected software assets for which updates exist, the only acceptable remediation actions are: 1) Apply updates; OR 2) remove affected assets from agency networks. Temporary mitigations using one of the measures provided at https://www.cisa.gov/uscert/ed-22-02-apache-log4j-recommended-mitigation-measures are only acceptable until updates are available.
Remediation due: 2021-12-24
Associated with ransomware campaigns
References
- packetstormsecurity.com
- packetstormsecurity.com
- packetstormsecurity.com
- packetstormsecurity.com
- packetstormsecurity.com
- packetstormsecurity.com
- packetstormsecurity.com
- packetstormsecurity.com
- packetstormsecurity.com
- seclists.org
- seclists.org
- openwall.com
- openwall.com
- openwall.com
- openwall.com
- openwall.com
- cert-portal.siemens.com
- cert-portal.siemens.com
- cert-portal.siemens.com
- cert-portal.siemens.com
- github.com
- lists.debian.org
- psirt.global.sonicwall.com
- security.netapp.com
- support.apple.com
- tools.cisco.com
- bentley.com
- debian.org
- intel.com
- kb.cert.org
- oracle.com
Related Vulnerabilities
Other CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) vulnerabilities, ordered by exploit likelihood. View all
| CVE | Severity | CVSS | EPSS | Exploited | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CVE-2024-3400 | Critical | 10.0 | 100% | KEV + Ransom | - |
| CVE-2021-45105 | Medium | 5.9 | 100% | - | Fix |
| CVE-2021-21985 | Critical | 9.8 | 100% | KEV + Ransom | Fix |
| CVE-2018-7600 | Critical | 9.8 | 100% | KEV + Ransom | Fix |
| CVE-2020-3452 | High | 7.5 | 100% | KEV | Fix |
| CVE-2018-0296 | High | 7.5 | 100% | KEV | Fix |
Common questions
How do I fix CVE-2021-44228?
Published advisories record a fix for 94 affected products. The "How to fix" section on this page lists the fixed version and source advisory for each one, so apply the entry matching what you actually run.
Is CVE-2021-44228 being actively exploited?
Yes. CVE-2021-44228 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, which means exploitation has been observed in the wild. CISA has also linked it to known ransomware campaigns. US federal agencies were required to remediate it by 2021-12-24. Treat it as a priority whatever its CVSS score says.
How severe is CVE-2021-44228?
CVE-2021-44228 has a CVSS v3 base score of 10.0, rated critical. CVSS rates the technical impact if the vulnerability is exploited, not how likely that is, so weigh it alongside the exploit-prediction score when you decide what to patch first.
What does CVE-2021-44228 affect?
Published advisories record a fix for eap7-apache-cxf (Red Hat / RHEL), eap7-apache-cxf (Rocky), eap7-apache-cxf-rt (Red Hat / RHEL), eap7-apache-cxf-rt (Rocky), and 90 more. Only products with a sourced advisory are listed, so treat this as what we can cite rather than a complete inventory.
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This product uses NVD data but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. EPSS scores courtesy of FIRST.org (https://www.first.org/epss). Source: CISA KEV Catalog. Data as of 2026-02-20.