CVE-2014-9358 in Docker
Summary
by MITRE
Docker before 1.3.3 does not properly validate image IDs, which allows remote attackers to conduct path traversal attacks and spoof repositories via a crafted image in a (1) "docker load" operation or (2) "registry communications."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9358 affects Docker versions prior to 1.3.3 and represents a critical security flaw in the container image handling mechanism. This issue stems from inadequate validation of image IDs during the docker load operation and registry communications, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted image files. The vulnerability specifically targets the trust model that Docker employs when processing container images, fundamentally undermining the security assurances that containerization platforms are designed to provide.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper validation of image identifiers within Docker's image processing pipeline. When Docker processes images through either the docker load command or registry communications, it fails to adequately verify the integrity and authenticity of image IDs. This weakness enables attackers to craft malicious image files that contain specially constructed image IDs designed to bypass normal validation checks. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to manipulate the file system traversal mechanisms within Docker, potentially enabling them to write files to arbitrary locations on the host system or access protected repository contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can be exploited to conduct sophisticated path traversal attacks that compromise the integrity of the entire container ecosystem. Attackers can leverage this flaw to spoof legitimate repositories, making it appear as though malicious images originate from trusted sources. This capability undermines the fundamental security assumptions of containerized environments, where image provenance and integrity are critical factors in maintaining system security. The vulnerability affects both local image loading operations and network-based registry communications, making it applicable to a wide range of deployment scenarios and attack vectors.
The implications of CVE-2014-9358 align with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-345 Insufficient Verification of Data Authenticity, as the vulnerability combines file system traversal techniques with repository spoofing capabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1566 Phishing, as attackers can use compromised images to execute malicious code on target systems. Organizations using Docker versions prior to 1.3.3 face significant risk of unauthorized access to their container environments, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread adoption of Docker in enterprise environments, where containerized applications often run with elevated privileges and access to sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9358 primarily focus on upgrading to Docker version 1.3.3 or later, where proper image ID validation has been implemented. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as image signing and verification mechanisms, network segmentation to limit registry access, and regular security auditing of container images. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the upgraded Docker environment to ensure that all image handling operations function correctly while maintaining security. Additionally, organizations should establish strict policies for image sourcing and implement automated scanning tools to detect potentially malicious images before they are deployed in production environments.