CVE-2014-6408 in Docker
Summary
by MITRE
Docker 1.3.0 through 1.3.1 allows remote attackers to modify the default run profile of image containers and possibly bypass the container by applying unspecified security options to an image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6408 affects Docker containerization platform versions 1.3.0 through 1.3.1, representing a critical security flaw that undermines container isolation mechanisms. This vulnerability resides in the container runtime configuration handling process where unauthorized remote attackers can manipulate the default security profiles assigned to container images. The flaw specifically targets the container creation and execution lifecycle, allowing malicious actors to alter security parameters that should remain protected and immutable during container operation. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially bypass established container security controls by injecting modified security options into container images, fundamentally compromising the isolation guarantees that containerization technologies are designed to provide.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls within Docker's image handling subsystem. When containers are instantiated, the platform processes security configurations that should be enforced consistently across all container instances. However, the flaw allows remote adversaries to inject malicious security parameters that override default protective measures. This occurs through manipulation of image metadata or configuration files that are processed during container initialization. The vulnerability manifests as a failure in the principle of least privilege enforcement, where the container runtime does not properly validate or sanitize security option modifications that are applied to container images. The affected versions demonstrate a lack of proper cryptographic integrity checking for container configuration parameters, enabling attackers to modify security profiles without proper authorization.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-6408 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass complete container isolation bypass capabilities. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can effectively neutralize container security controls, potentially allowing them to access host system resources, escalate privileges beyond container boundaries, and compromise other containers running on the same host. The vulnerability particularly affects multi-tenant environments where container isolation is paramount for security. Organizations utilizing Docker in production environments face significant risk of data breaches, privilege escalation attacks, and potential host system compromise. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries do not require local system access or physical proximity to exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous in cloud and shared hosting environments where multiple users may interact with the same Docker infrastructure.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to Docker versions 1.3.2 or later where the vulnerability has been patched. The fix addresses the core issue by strengthening input validation mechanisms and implementing proper access controls for security option modifications. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unauthorized container configuration changes. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and represents a specific instance of privilege escalation through configuration manipulation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and persistence within containerized environments. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of their container configurations and implement continuous monitoring for anomalous container behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date containerization platforms and implementing robust security controls around container image management processes.