CVE-2018-11757 in Docker Skeleton Runtime for Apache OpenWhisk
Summary
by MITRE
In Docker Skeleton Runtime for Apache OpenWhisk, a Docker action inheriting the Docker tag openwhisk/dockerskeleton:1.3.0 (or earlier) may allow an attacker to replace the user function inside the container if the user code is vulnerable to code exploitation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11757 affects the Docker Skeleton Runtime component of Apache OpenWhisk, specifically when using the openwhisk/dockerskeleton:1.3.0 tag or earlier versions. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of serverless function execution environments. The issue stems from improper handling of user code within containerized execution contexts, creating potential attack vectors that could compromise the entire system. The vulnerability operates within the broader context of container runtime security and serverless computing environments where trust boundaries between system components and user-provided code become crucial.
The technical flaw manifests in how the Docker skeleton runtime processes and executes user functions within containers. When a Docker action inherits the vulnerable tag, the runtime fails to properly isolate or validate user code execution, allowing attackers to potentially replace or modify the user function running inside the container. This occurs due to insufficient sandboxing mechanisms and inadequate input validation procedures. The vulnerability exploits the trust relationship between the container runtime and user-provided code, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and code injection attacks. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges and access control issues in software systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11757 extends beyond simple code replacement, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary commands within the container environment. This could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations using Apache OpenWhisk for serverless computing, where multiple users share the same runtime environment. Attackers could exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, disrupt services, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. The implications are especially severe in multi-tenant environments where isolation between different users' functions is critical for maintaining security boundaries.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through version updates to the Docker skeleton runtime, specifically upgrading beyond the affected openwhisk/dockerskeleton:1.3.0 tag. Organizations should implement comprehensive container security measures including runtime monitoring, privileged container restrictions, and network segmentation. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and container escape techniques, making it essential to implement proper access controls and runtime protection mechanisms. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict image validation procedures, container runtime integrity checks, and regular security audits of serverless environments to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.