CVE-2019-15752 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Docker Desktop Community Edition before version 2.1.0.1. This vulnerability allows local users to gain privileges by placing a Trojan horse docker-credential-wincred.exe file in %PROGRAMDATA%\DockerDesktop\version-bin\ as a low-privilege user. Once this is done, the user must wait for an admin or service user to authenticate with Docker, restart Docker, or run 'docker login' to force the command.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.8, indicating a high severity level. This score reflects the significant impact this flaw can have on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Organizations running affected versions should prioritize patching to protect against potential exploitation.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized privilege escalation, which can lead to further system compromise. The vulnerability is actively tracked in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, emphasizing the urgency for organizations to remediate it promptly.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The vendor has released updates to mitigate this vulnerability, and organizations are encouraged to apply these updates to prevent potential exploits.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability highlights a critical flaw that can be exploited by local users to gain elevated privileges. The specific versions affected include all versions of Docker Desktop Community Edition prior to 2.1.0.1. The vulnerability was published on August 28, 2019, and is classified under CWE-732.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2019-15752 is related to improper handling of file permissions in the Docker Desktop application. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability by placing a malicious file in a directory that is subsequently accessed by a higher-privileged user. The attack vector is local, requiring low complexity and no privileges. User interaction is required, making this vulnerability particularly insidious as it relies on the actions of an unsuspecting administrator.
The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is significant, as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive operations within Docker Desktop. Organizations need to be aware of the potential for further exploitation if this vulnerability is not addressed.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployments of Docker Desktop are at risk due to this vulnerability. Organizations utilizing this software must consider the blast radius potential, especially if Docker is integrated into critical applications or services. The high CVSS score indicates a substantial risk of exploitation, especially in environments where local access can be gained.
The urgency assessment for this vulnerability is critical. Organizations must act quickly to patch affected systems to mitigate the risk of privilege escalation and potential further attacks.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Docker Desktop Community Edition include all versions prior to 2.1.0.1. Organizations running these versions should implement the necessary security measures to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply updates as per vendor instructions. It is critical to upgrade to the latest version of Docker Desktop Community Edition to eliminate this vulnerability. If a patch is unavailable, organizations should consider implementing additional security measures, such as restricting file permissions and monitoring for unauthorized changes in the Docker installation directories.
For more information on penetration testing and security assessments, organizations can refer to penetration testing services to identify other potential vulnerabilities and secure their environment.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor log indicators for unauthorized file changes in the Docker installation path. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected privilege escalations or unauthorized access attempts, should also be closely watched. Implementing network signatures to identify malicious activities related to Docker operations may help in early detection.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability illustrates a common weakness in software deployment where local users can escalate privileges through improper file handling. It serves as a reminder for security teams to ensure rigorous validation of file permissions and user authentication processes.
For organizations operating in cloud environments, it is essential to conduct a thorough threat analysis to identify potential exploitation paths. Engaging in regular security assessments can help mitigate risks associated with such vulnerabilities.
For further reading on vulnerability management and security practices, organizations can refer to vulnerability management program design and other resources to bolster their security posture.
Continuous engagement with threat intelligence updates can also provide critical insights into emerging threats and vulnerabilities, allowing organizations to adapt their security measures accordingly.
For organizations looking to enhance their security capabilities, exploring services such as red teaming can provide a more comprehensive understanding of their security weaknesses.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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