CVE-2014-5282 in Docker
Summary
by MITRE
Docker before 1.3 does not properly validate image IDs, which allows remote attackers to redirect to another image through the loading of untrusted images via 'docker load'.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-5282 represents a critical security flaw in Docker containerization software prior to version 1.3. This issue stems from inadequate validation mechanisms within the docker load command, which is designed to import container images from tar archives. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the image loading process by providing maliciously crafted image data that can redirect the system to load unintended or unauthorized container images. This vulnerability specifically targets the trust model that Docker employs when processing image data, creating a pathway for attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code or access sensitive system resources through compromised container images.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the image validation layer within Docker's image loading mechanism. When users execute the docker load command with untrusted image data, the software fails to properly verify the integrity and authenticity of the image identifiers contained within the tar archive. This validation gap enables attackers to manipulate the image ID references, causing the system to load images from unexpected sources or with altered configurations. The flaw operates at the application level and can be exploited through network-based attacks where adversaries control the image content being loaded, potentially leading to privilege escalation or unauthorized access to containerized environments. This issue directly relates to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a known good path, and CWE-345, which addresses insufficient verification of data integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-5282 extends beyond simple image loading manipulation and can result in significant security breaches within containerized environments. Organizations using Docker versions before 1.3 face potential compromise when loading images from untrusted sources, as attackers can exploit this vulnerability to redirect to malicious images that may contain backdoors, malware, or other harmful payloads. The vulnerability particularly affects container orchestration and deployment workflows where automated image loading processes are common, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources. This flaw can be leveraged in conjunction with other attack vectors to establish persistent access within containerized infrastructures, making it a critical concern for security teams managing Docker-based deployments. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves executing commands through container environments, and T1566, which covers phishing attacks that can deliver malicious container images.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-5282 focus primarily on upgrading to Docker version 1.3 or later, which includes proper image ID validation mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict image verification processes before loading any container images, particularly those obtained from external sources or untrusted repositories. The use of image signing and verification tools can provide additional layers of protection by ensuring that only authenticated and verified images are loaded into the system. Security teams should also establish network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security audits of container images and implementation of automated scanning tools can help identify and prevent the loading of compromised images. Additionally, organizations should maintain comprehensive monitoring of docker load operations and implement logging mechanisms to detect anomalous image loading activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the need for robust trust models in containerization platforms, emphasizing the critical nature of keeping container software up to date with security patches.