Security Bulletin
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.
Get Notified about Future Security Bulletins
References
Acknowledgement
Change History
21 Dec 2021:
Added no-upgrade option to Workarounds and MitigationsNote for clients using IBM Cognos Analytics in Affected Products and VersionsIBM Cognos Controller on Cloud remediation completion in Remediation/Fixes
21 Dec 2021:
Fixed typo in Summary
20 Dec 2021:
Initial Publication
*The CVSS Environment Score is customer environment specific and will ultimately impact the Overall CVSS Score. Customers can evaluate the impact of this vulnerability in their environments by accessing the links in the Reference section of this Security Bulletin.
Disclaimer
Review the IBM security bulletin disclaimer and definitions regarding your responsibilities for assessing potential impact of security vulnerabilities to your environment.
Document Location
Worldwide
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Document Information
Modified date:
21 December 2021
UID
ibm16528580