Docker Desktop CVE-2025-9074: Critical Container Escape Vulnerability

Critical Specifications

Vulnerability ID: CVE-2025-9074
CVSS Score: 9.3 (Critical)
Attack Vector: Network-based, no user interaction required
Impact: Complete system compromise - full confidentiality, integrity, and availability loss

Affected Systems

• Docker Desktop versions: All versions before 4.44.3
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
• Special Risk: Windows WSL2 installations have amplified impact

Technical Details

• Vulnerable Endpoint: http://192.168.65.7:2375
• Root Cause: Docker Desktop's internal API exposed without authentication
• Exploitation: Any container can access Docker daemon with administrative privileges
• Bypass Note: Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) does NOT protect against this vulnerability

Attack Capabilities

What Attackers Can Do

• Create new containers with full host access
• Mount entire host filesystem (including C:\ drive on Windows)
• Access sensitive data across entire system
• Manage Docker images and networks
• Execute commands with user account privileges

Real-World Attack Scenarios

1. Supply Chain Attacks: Malicious Docker images from public registries exploit automatically
2. Development Environment Takeover: Dev containers access source code, credentials, deployment keys
3. CI/CD Pipeline Compromise: Build containers gain access to deployment secrets
4. Data Exfiltration: Complete filesystem access for sensitive file extraction

Failure Modes and Consequences

Critical Failure Points

• Default Docker Desktop installation = immediate vulnerability
• Any untrusted container execution = potential host compromise
• WSL2 integration = amplified Windows filesystem access
• Network-based exploitation = no local access required

Severity Indicators

• Automatic exploitation: No user interaction required
• Complete compromise: Full system access achieved
• Stealth potential: Exploitation may go undetected
• Supply chain risk: Affects any Docker image execution

Immediate Remediation Requirements

Priority Actions (Execute in Order)

1. Upgrade immediately to Docker Desktop 4.44.3+
2. Review running containers for suspicious activity in logs
3. Audit container images for malicious behavior using Docker Scout
4. Check filesystem access patterns for unauthorized host access

Patch Information

• Fixed Version: Docker Desktop 4.44.3
• Release Date: August 24, 2025
• Fix Method: API endpoint access restriction + authentication requirements

Version Risk Matrix

Version Range	Status	Risk Level	Action Required
4.44.3+	Patched	Low	Normal operations
4.25.0 - 4.44.2	Vulnerable	Critical	Immediate upgrade
< 4.25.0	Vulnerable	Critical	Immediate upgrade

Detection and Monitoring

Exploitation Indicators

• Unusual container creation requests in Docker daemon logs
• Unexpected API calls to 192.168.65.7:2375
• Containers mounting host directories without explicit permission
• Unauthorized filesystem access patterns
• Modified files with unexpected timestamps

Monitoring Commands

# Check Docker version
docker --version

# Review container logs
docker logs <container_id>

# Check running containers
docker ps -a

Critical Warnings

What Official Documentation Doesn't Tell You

• ECI provides false security: Enhanced Container Isolation cannot prevent this attack
• Development tools are attack surface: Container isolation assumptions are invalid
• No reliable workarounds exist: Only upgrading provides protection
• Automatic exploitation possible: Malicious images can exploit without user knowledge

Common Misconceptions

• ❌ "ECI protects against container escape" - FALSE for this vulnerability
• ❌ "Network isolation prevents exploitation" - FALSE, operates on default network
• ❌ "Disabling TCP exposure provides protection" - FALSE, insufficient mitigation
• ❌ "Only affects production environments" - FALSE, development environments equally vulnerable

Resource Requirements

Upgrade Process

• Time Required: 10-15 minutes for standard installation
• Downtime: Minimal - existing containers/images preserved
• Expertise Level: Basic Docker administration knowledge
• Prerequisites: Administrative access to Docker Desktop installation

Post-Patch Actions

• Container Restart: Required for all running containers
• Security Review: Audit all images for potential compromise
• Log Analysis: Review historical access patterns
• Process Updates: Implement container security monitoring

Breaking Points and Limitations

When This Vulnerability Becomes Critical

• Any untrusted container execution on affected Docker Desktop versions
• CI/CD pipelines processing external code or images
• Development environments running third-party containers
• Windows WSL2 systems with sensitive data on C:\ drive

Long-term Security Implications

• Container isolation assumptions invalidated by implementation bugs
• Development tool security must be actively managed
• Supply chain monitoring becomes critical for container images
• Network segmentation required even in development environments

Alternative Solutions and Trade-offs

If Immediate Upgrade Impossible

• Complete Docker Desktop shutdown - Only reliable protection
• No partial workarounds - Network restrictions insufficient
• Risk acceptance - Not recommended for any environment
• Alternative container runtimes - Consider for critical environments

Decision Criteria

• Upgrade immediately: Default recommendation for all environments
• Risk tolerance: Zero for any system with sensitive data
• Business continuity: Upgrade preserves existing containers/images
• Security posture: Critical vulnerability requires immediate action