CVE-2014-0048 in Docker
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was found in Docker before 1.6.0. Some programs and scripts in Docker are downloaded via HTTP and then executed or used in unsafe ways.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0048 represents a critical security flaw in Docker containerization platform prior to version 1.6.0, where the software executed programs and scripts downloaded over unencrypted HTTP connections without proper validation or security measures. This issue stems from the improper handling of remote code execution components that are fetched from external sources, creating a significant attack surface that adversaries could exploit to compromise systems running vulnerable Docker versions. The flaw directly impacts the integrity and authenticity of downloaded components, as no cryptographic verification or secure transport mechanisms were implemented during the retrieval process.
This vulnerability operates through a classic supply chain attack vector where malicious actors can intercept network traffic and inject modified code into the download process, effectively allowing them to execute arbitrary code on target systems with the privileges of the Docker daemon. The technical implementation involves insecure downloading mechanisms that trust remote content without validation, enabling man-in-the-middle attacks that can modify downloaded binaries or scripts before execution. The flaw is classified under CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, specifically in the context of remote code execution through untrusted data processing. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection, as it enables attackers to execute malicious code through compromised download processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-0048 is substantial, as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to systems running vulnerable Docker installations, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within network environments. Organizations using Docker versions prior to 1.6.0 faced significant risk when running containers that relied on downloading external components, as any such process could be exploited to deliver malicious payloads. The vulnerability particularly affected container orchestration environments where automated deployment scripts and application installations relied on external downloads, creating widespread exposure across enterprise infrastructure. Additionally, the risk was compounded by the fact that the Docker daemon typically runs with elevated privileges, meaning successful exploitation could result in system-level compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0048 primarily focus on upgrading to Docker version 1.6.0 or later, which implements secure download mechanisms and cryptographic verification for remote components. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect suspicious HTTP traffic patterns and consider deploying secure alternative download methods such as HTTPS with certificate validation or local package repositories. Security teams should establish policies for validating all downloaded content through checksum verification and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised download processes. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for proper input validation, particularly when handling remote content in containerized environments, aligning with security frameworks that emphasize the protection of software supply chains against tampering and unauthorized modifications.