CVE-2024-41110 is classified as a critical vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.9. This vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass authorization plugins (AuthZ) in certain versions of Docker Engine under specific circumstances. The potential for exploitation is considered low, but the implications can lead to unauthorized actions, including privilege escalation.
Organizations using Docker Engine must prioritize addressing this vulnerability due to its severity. The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and actions that could compromise container security.
The vulnerability stems from how a specially-crafted API request can manipulate the Docker daemon to forward requests or responses to authorization plugins without including the body. This behavior can allow AuthZ plugins to incorrectly permit actions they would typically deny.
Organizations should address this issue immediately to prevent potential exploitation and ensure the integrity of their container environments.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability was discovered in certain versions of Docker Engine. It affects any deployments relying on authorization plugins that inspect request and response bodies for access control decisions. The criticality of this vulnerability is underscored by its CVSS score of 9.9, which indicates a high potential for impact.
The vulnerability was published on July 24, 2024. It has been classified under several CWEs, including CWE-187 (Improper Authentication), CWE-444 (Inclusion of Sensitive Information in Output), and CWE-863 (Assignment of a Fixed Address to a Pointer).
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2024-41110 lies in the Docker Engine's handling of API requests. Attackers may exploit this vulnerability by sending specially-crafted requests without the body content, thereby manipulating the authorization decisions made by plugins.
The attack vector is categorized as 'NETWORK', meaning that attackers can exploit this flaw remotely. The attack complexity is low, as it requires minimal effort to send the crafted requests. Privileges required for exploitation are low, enabling attackers with limited access to execute unauthorized actions.
User interaction is not required, further increasing the risk. The impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability are all rated as high, indicating a severe threat to organizational security.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations that rely on Docker Engine must assess their risk profile concerning CVE-2024-41110. The potential impact includes unauthorized access and potential privilege escalation, which could lead to significant operational disruptions.
Given the CVSS score, organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The blast radius of this vulnerability could affect all environments running vulnerable versions of Docker Engine, especially those using authorization plugins that do not adequately inspect request bodies.
In light of the current threat landscape, organizations should ensure they are not only updating their systems but also implementing robust access controls and monitoring to detect any unusual activity that might indicate exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects Docker Engine versions prior to v27.1.1. Docker EE v19.03.x and all versions of Mirantis Container Runtime are not vulnerable. All users should ensure they upgrade to patched versions to mitigate risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize upgrading to docker-ce v27.1.1 or later. If immediate upgrading is not possible, avoid using AuthZ plugins and restrict Docker API access to trusted parties, adhering to the principle of least privilege.
For further support in securing your applications, consider utilizing penetration testing services to identify potential weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Monitor logs for unusual API request patterns that do not include expected body content. Behavioral anomalies in authorization decisions should also be investigated to detect potential exploitation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The significance of CVE-2024-41110 highlights the need for continuous vigilance in monitoring and securing containerized environments. Organizations should reflect on the implications of this vulnerability and strengthen their security posture against similar threats.
For comprehensive strategies on improving your security framework, consult our penetration testing methodology. Also, exploring our vulnerability management program can assist in proactive identification of potential security issues.
Leveraging our cloud penetration testing guide can also help to secure your containerized environments effectively.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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