CVE-2016-7569 in docker2aci
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in docker2aci before 0.13.0 allows remote attackers to write to arbitrary files via a .. (dot dot) in the embedded layer data in an image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7569 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the docker2aci tool version 0.12.0 and earlier, which enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary file write operations through manipulation of embedded layer data within docker images. This vulnerability specifically affects the conversion process from docker images to appc format, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise systems by writing files outside of intended directories. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and path sanitization within the tool's handling of embedded layer data, allowing attackers to exploit the .. (dot dot) traversal sequence to navigate beyond the intended target directory.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs during the docker2aci conversion process where the tool processes embedded layer data from docker images without proper validation of path components. When the tool encounters directory traversal sequences in the layer data, it fails to properly sanitize these paths, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary file system locations for writing operations. This weakness directly maps to CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal vulnerabilities. The vulnerability exists at the application level within the docker2aci conversion utility, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited during routine image conversion processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-7569 extends beyond simple file system compromise, as it can enable attackers to write malicious files to critical system locations, potentially leading to privilege escalation, persistent backdoors, or system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to overwrite system binaries, modify configuration files, or inject malicious code into the target environment. The remote nature of this attack vector means that adversaries can exploit the vulnerability without requiring local system access, making it particularly dangerous in containerized environments where docker images are frequently pulled and converted. This vulnerability affects organizations using docker2aci in automated build processes, CI/CD pipelines, or any environment where docker images are converted to appc format, potentially creating widespread compromise across multiple systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7569 primarily focus on updating to docker2aci version 0.13.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and path sanitization mechanisms. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all instances of the vulnerable tool are updated immediately. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to systems running docker2aci, monitoring for suspicious file system activities, and validating all docker images before conversion processes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in security tooling, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for executing malicious code through command-line interfaces and T1078.004 for bypassing access controls through privilege escalation. Security teams should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and restricting write permissions to conversion directories to minimize potential impact from similar vulnerabilities in other tools.