Critical Docker Engine Flaw Allows Attackers to Bypass Authorization Plugins

Introduction

Docker, a popular containerization platform, has recently been found to contain a critical vulnerability (CVE-2024-41110) that could allow attackers to bypass authorization plugins (AuthZ). This flaw, carrying a CVSS score of 10.0, indicates the maximum severity level and poses a significant risk to systems using Docker.

Understanding the Vulnerability

Docker’s authorization plugins are designed to enforce access control policies, ensuring that only authorized users or processes can perform specific actions within the container environment. However, the discovered flaw exploits a weakness in the Docker engine’s handling of API requests.

An attacker can craft a specially formed API request with a Content-Length header set to zero. This manipulation causes the Docker daemon to forward the request to the AuthZ plugin without including the request body. In some cases, the AuthZ plugin might incorrectly approve the request, effectively bypassing the authorization mechanism.

Impact of the Vulnerability

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could grant attackers unauthorized access to Docker environments. The potential consequences are severe:

• Privilege Escalation: Attackers could elevate their privileges within the Docker environment, allowing them to execute commands with higher permissions.
• Data Exfiltration: Sensitive data stored within containers could be accessed and stolen.
• System Compromise: In worst-case scenarios, attackers could gain control over the underlying host system by exploiting vulnerabilities within the containers.

Affected Docker Versions

The vulnerability affects specific versions of Docker Engine. While a fix was initially introduced in Docker Engine v18.09.1, a regression was later discovered in versions 19.03 and later. Docker has released patches to address this issue.

Mitigation Steps

To protect your systems from this critical vulnerability, it is essential to take immediate action:

• Update Docker Engine: Apply the latest security patches released by Docker to address the vulnerability.
• Limit Docker Daemon Access: Restrict access to the Docker daemon to trusted users and processes.
• Network Segmentation: Isolate Docker hosts from the public internet to reduce the attack surface.
• Regular Security Audits: Conduct thorough security assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with security advisories and best practices from Docker and other security sources.

Conclusion

The discovery of this critical Docker Engine flaw highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date software and implementing robust security measures. By following the recommended mitigation steps, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation and protect their Docker environments.

Note: It’s crucial to verify the specific affected Docker versions and the latest patch information from the official Docker documentation or security advisories.

---

You think you have a story worth everyone’s time? SUBMIT A STORY and we will publish it.