CVE-2016-8579 in docker2aci
Summary
by MITRE
docker2aci <= 0.12.3 has an infinite loop when handling local images with cyclic dependency chain.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8579 affects the docker2aci tool version 0.12.3 and earlier, representing a critical denial of service flaw that can be exploited to disrupt system operations. This issue specifically manifests when the tool processes local Docker images that contain cyclic dependency chains, creating an infinite loop condition that prevents the tool from completing its conversion process. The docker2aci utility serves as a bridge between Docker images and App Container Specification (ACI) format, enabling container portability across different container runtimes and orchestration platforms. When encountering circular dependencies in image metadata, the tool fails to properly handle the recursive resolution process, leading to resource exhaustion and system unresponsiveness.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient cycle detection mechanisms within the docker2aci dependency resolution algorithm. When processing local Docker images, the tool attempts to traverse through image layers and their dependencies to build a complete dependency graph. However, when a cyclic dependency exists, the traversal logic lacks proper cycle detection and tracking mechanisms, causing it to repeatedly process the same dependencies indefinitely. This infinite loop consumes system resources including CPU cycles and memory, ultimately leading to system instability and denial of service conditions. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-838, which describes insufficient input validation that allows for ambiguous or invalid inputs to cause unexpected behavior. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability affects any system administrators or DevOps engineers who rely on docker2aci for container image conversion workflows, potentially disrupting automated build and deployment pipelines.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8579 extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass broader workflow interruptions and potential security implications. When exploited, the infinite loop can cause automated container build processes to hang indefinitely, preventing new container images from being generated or deployed. This affects continuous integration and continuous deployment pipelines that depend on docker2aci for image conversion, potentially leading to extended downtime and reduced operational efficiency. The vulnerability can be triggered by maliciously crafted Docker images or inadvertently by legitimate images with corrupted metadata, making it particularly dangerous in environments where image validation is insufficient. Organizations relying on this tool for container orchestration and deployment may experience cascading failures throughout their containerized infrastructure, as the denial of service affects not just the individual tool but also dependent systems and processes. The attack surface is broad since any workflow that utilizes docker2aci for local image processing could be affected, particularly in environments with automated container image generation and management systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8579 should focus on immediate version updates and implementation of additional validation controls. The most effective immediate fix is upgrading to docker2aci version 0.12.4 or later, which includes proper cycle detection and handling mechanisms. Organizations should also implement input validation checks to prevent processing of images with suspected cyclic dependencies before they reach the docker2aci tool. Network segmentation and process monitoring can help detect and contain the infinite loop behavior, allowing for faster incident response. From a security posture perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001, which involves network disruption through resource exhaustion, and T1566.001, which covers spearphishing attacks that may deliver malicious container images. System administrators should implement monitoring solutions that can detect unusual CPU and memory consumption patterns during container image processing, enabling early detection of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing image scanning and validation processes that can identify and quarantine images with problematic dependency structures before they are processed by docker2aci, thereby reducing the risk of successful exploitation.