CVE-2023-0628 in Docker
Summary
by MITRE • 03/13/2023
Docker Desktop before 4.17.0 allows an attacker to execute an arbitrary command inside a Dev Environments container during initialization by tricking an user to open a crafted malicious docker-desktop:// URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2023
Docker Desktop versions prior to 4.17.0 contain a critical security vulnerability that enables arbitrary command execution within Dev Environments containers during the initialization phase. This flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of URLs passed to the docker-desktop protocol handler. The vulnerability specifically affects the way Docker Desktop processes maliciously crafted URLs that begin with the docker-desktop:// scheme, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary commands within the container context. The attack vector requires user interaction through social engineering to convince victims to open the malicious URL, making it a sophisticated privilege escalation vulnerability that leverages the trust relationship between the user and the desktop application.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of URL parameters within Docker Desktop's protocol handler. When a user clicks on a malicious docker-desktop:// URL, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the parameters passed to the Dev Environments initialization process. This allows attackers to inject command-line arguments that get executed within the container environment, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and represents a classic case of command injection, specifically mapping to CWE-77 and CWE-94 within the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw exists because Docker Desktop does not implement proper parameter validation or command escaping before passing user-supplied data to container initialization routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to containerized development environments that may contain sensitive source code, credentials, or development artifacts. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish footholds within development workflows, potentially compromising entire development pipelines and accessing confidential data. The vulnerability affects the security posture of organizations using Docker Desktop for development environments, particularly those with less security-aware developers who may inadvertently click on malicious links. This represents a significant risk to DevOps environments where Docker Desktop is commonly used for local development, as it allows attackers to bypass typical container security controls and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the container runtime.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Docker Desktop installations to version 4.17.0 or later, which includes proper URL parameter validation and sanitization. Organizations should also implement security awareness training to educate developers about the risks of clicking on untrusted URLs and the importance of verifying the legitimacy of web links before interaction. Network-level protections such as URL filtering and content inspection can help detect and block malicious docker-desktop:// URLs before they reach the desktop application. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns within container environments can help detect exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566 for phishing, emphasizing the need for both technical controls and user education to effectively defend against such attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized applications and scripts within development environments.