CVE-2025-3911 in Docker
Summary
by MITRE • 04/29/2025
Recording of environment variables, configured for running containers, in Docker Desktop application logs could lead to unintentional disclosure of sensitive information such as api keys, passwords, etc.
A malicious actor with read access to these logs could obtain sensitive credentials information and further use it to gain unauthorized access to other systems. Starting with version 4.41.0, Docker Desktop no longer logs environment variables set by the user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw in Docker Desktop applications where environment variables configured for container execution were being inadvertently recorded in application logs. The issue stems from insufficient input sanitization and logging practices within the Docker Desktop runtime environment, creating an attack vector that could expose sensitive configuration data including API keys, database passwords, and other authentication credentials. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer where logging mechanisms are typically less scrutinized for security implications, and it demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure logging practices that aligns with CWE-200 - Exposure of Sensitive Information. The flaw exists in the logging subsystem that processes and records container runtime parameters without proper sanitization of sensitive data, creating a persistent security risk that could be exploited by adversaries with access to the logging infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Docker Desktop application's logging mechanism capturing environment variable data during container lifecycle operations and storing this information in log files without proper redaction or sanitization processes. When containers are executed with environment variables containing sensitive information, these values are serialized and written to log files in plain text format, making them immediately accessible to any entity with read access to the Docker Desktop log files. This represents a classic case of insecure logging practices that violates fundamental security principles and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1567 - Exfiltration Over Web Service, where sensitive data is unintentionally exposed through application logging mechanisms. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 4.41.0 where the logging subsystem failed to implement proper environment variable filtering or sanitization, creating a persistent exposure window for credential data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates a potential pathway for lateral movement and privilege escalation within containerized environments. A malicious actor with read access to Docker Desktop logs could obtain credentials for database connections, cloud service accounts, and application-specific tokens that could then be used to access backend services, cloud resources, and other systems within the network perimeter. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using Docker Desktop in development and testing environments where log files may be stored on shared systems or accessible to multiple users, creating an increased attack surface that aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 - Valid Accounts, where compromised credentials are leveraged for unauthorized access. The impact is magnified in multi-tenant environments or organizations where Docker Desktop is used across different teams and projects, as the exposure could potentially compromise credentials for multiple applications and services.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Docker Desktop version 4.41.0 or later where environment variable logging has been disabled, establishing proper log access controls and monitoring for unauthorized log file access, and implementing log sanitization policies for any custom logging solutions. The remediation approach should incorporate principle of least privilege for log file access, regular log review procedures, and implementation of automated log scanning for sensitive data patterns. Security teams should also consider implementing centralized logging solutions with proper filtering capabilities, regular log file rotation and secure storage practices, and establish incident response procedures for log-based credential exposure events. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure logging practices and proper input sanitization as outlined in security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001, where logging controls and information protection measures are critical components of overall security posture. The fix implemented by Docker in version 4.41.0 represents a positive security engineering practice that demonstrates the importance of proactive vulnerability remediation and the need for regular security assessments of logging and monitoring systems.