CVE-2014-8179 in Docker Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Docker Engine before 1.8.3 and CS Docker Engine before 1.6.2-CS7 does not properly validate and extract the manifest object from its JSON representation during a pull, which allows attackers to inject new attributes in a JSON object and bypass pull-by-digest validation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8179 represents a critical security flaw in Docker Engine versions prior to 1.8.3 and CS Docker Engine versions prior to 1.6.2-CS7. This issue stems from improper validation and extraction of manifest objects during the image pull process, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate JSON representations and circumvent security controls. The vulnerability specifically targets the pull-by-digest validation mechanism that is fundamental to Docker's image integrity verification process.
The technical flaw manifests in the way Docker Engine processes JSON manifest objects when pulling container images. During normal operations, Docker should validate that the manifest object contains only expected attributes and that these attributes conform to predefined schemas. However, the vulnerability allows attackers to inject additional attributes into the JSON object structure, effectively bypassing the validation checks that should prevent unauthorized modifications. This improper handling occurs during the parsing phase where the engine fails to sanitize or validate the manifest content before processing it, creating a vector for malicious input injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant within containerized environments, particularly in scenarios where security controls are paramount. Attackers can exploit this weakness to pull modified or malicious images that appear legitimate to the system's validation mechanisms. This bypass of pull-by-digest validation undermines the entire security model of Docker's image distribution system, as it allows unauthorized modification of container images without detection. The vulnerability essentially enables a form of image tampering that can lead to supply chain attacks, where malicious actors can inject harmful code or backdoors into container images that are then pulled and executed by vulnerable systems.
The implications extend beyond simple image manipulation to encompass broader security implications for container orchestration environments. Organizations relying on Docker's security features for image integrity verification face potential compromise when running affected versions. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation, and represents a classic case of JSON injection that can be leveraged in various attack scenarios. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving execution through compromised container images and supply chain attacks, where the attacker modifies legitimate-looking images to gain unauthorized access to target systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8179 require immediate deployment of patched Docker Engine versions that properly validate manifest objects during the pull process. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of image pull activities and establish robust image verification procedures beyond the built-in validation mechanisms. The patch addresses the core issue by implementing proper JSON schema validation and ensuring that manifest objects are strictly validated against expected structures before processing. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing image signing and verification mechanisms as additional layers of security, ensuring that even if the vulnerability were to be exploited, the impact would be minimized through proper cryptographic verification of container images.