CVE-2025-3224 in Docker
Summary
by MITRE • 04/28/2025
A vulnerability in the update process of Docker Desktop for Windows versions prior to 4.41.0 could allow a local, low-privileged attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM. During an update, Docker Desktop attempts to delete files and subdirectories under the path C:\ProgramData\Docker\config with high privileges. However, this directory often does not exist by default, and C:\ProgramData\ allows normal users to create new directories. By creating a malicious Docker\config folder structure at this location, an attacker can force the privileged update process to delete or manipulate arbitrary system files, leading to Elevation of Privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2025
This vulnerability resides in the update mechanism of Docker Desktop for Windows systems, specifically affecting versions prior to 4.41.0. The flaw manifests during the update process when the application attempts to clean up temporary files and directories located under C:\ProgramData\Docker. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access control checks and improper privilege management during file deletion operations. A local attacker with low-privileged user access can exploit this weakness by manipulating the update process to gain elevated privileges. The root cause aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions and inadequate access control mechanisms. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector where a user-level process can be manipulated to perform operations with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the update process attempting to delete files in the ProgramData directory without proper validation of file ownership or access permissions. Attackers can leverage this by placing malicious files in the targeted directory structure and triggering the update process. The system's failure to properly validate the integrity of files being deleted creates an opportunity for attackers to substitute legitimate update files with malicious ones. This exploitation pathway follows the ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through process injection or manipulation of system update mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially allows an attacker to manipulate the update process to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using Docker Desktop on Windows systems. Any user with access to the system can potentially escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level, which provides complete control over the affected machine. This includes access to all system resources, the ability to install or remove software, modify system configurations, and access sensitive data. The vulnerability affects the security boundary between user and system processes, essentially breaking the principle of least privilege. Organizations relying on Docker Desktop for Windows for containerized applications face a critical risk where a single compromised low-privileged account could lead to full system compromise, making this a high-severity issue for enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of Docker Desktop to version 4.41.0 or later, which addresses the privilege escalation flaw. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring around the C:\ProgramData\Docker directory to detect unauthorized file modifications during update processes. System administrators should enforce strict access controls on the Docker installation directories and implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized execution. The remediation aligns with the ATT&CK mitigation technique T1562.001, which involves 'Disable or Modify Tools' to prevent exploitation of system update mechanisms. Regular security assessments should include verification of Docker Desktop update processes and file system permissions to ensure proper privilege management. Additionally, network segmentation and privilege separation should be implemented to limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs.