CVE-2022-23774: Docker Desktop Path Traversal Flaw

CVE-2022-23774 Overview

CVE-2022-23774 is a vulnerability affecting Docker Desktop on Windows systems prior to version 4.4.4. This security flaw allows attackers to move arbitrary files on the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized modification of critical system or application files. The vulnerability exists due to improper file handling within the Docker Desktop application on the Windows platform.

Critical Impact

Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to move arbitrary files on Windows systems running vulnerable versions of Docker Desktop, potentially compromising system integrity or enabling further attacks.

Affected Products

• Docker Desktop versions prior to 4.4.4
• Microsoft Windows (all versions running affected Docker Desktop)

Discovery Timeline

• 2022-02-01 - CVE-2022-23774 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2022-23774

Vulnerability Analysis

This arbitrary file move vulnerability in Docker Desktop for Windows represents a significant security concern for containerized development environments. The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate file locations on the host system, bypassing intended access controls. While the network attack vector suggests remote exploitation is possible, the integrity impact is limited, meaning attackers can modify files but cannot directly read sensitive data or cause system crashes through this specific vulnerability alone.

The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise development environments where Docker Desktop is commonly used for local container development and testing. An attacker successfully exploiting this vulnerability could potentially overwrite configuration files, replace executables, or manipulate data files on the affected Windows host.

Root Cause

The vulnerability stems from improper file handling mechanisms within Docker Desktop on Windows platforms. The application fails to properly validate or restrict file move operations, allowing attackers to specify arbitrary source and destination paths. This represents a file system security boundary violation where Docker Desktop's file management capabilities can be abused to affect files outside the intended container scope.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for CVE-2022-23774 is network-based, requiring no user interaction or special privileges. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability remotely to move files to arbitrary locations on Windows systems running vulnerable Docker Desktop installations. The attack complexity is low, making this vulnerability accessible to attackers with basic technical capabilities.

The exploitation scenario involves an attacker sending specially crafted requests or commands that cause Docker Desktop to move files to attacker-specified locations. This could be used to:

• Overwrite legitimate executables with malicious versions
• Move configuration files to disrupt services
• Relocate security-critical files to compromise system integrity

Detection Methods for CVE-2022-23774

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected file moves or relocations on Windows systems running Docker Desktop
• Anomalous file system activity in directories outside normal Docker working paths
• Modified system or application files with timestamps correlating to suspicious Docker Desktop activity
• Presence of files in unexpected locations that were previously stored elsewhere

Detection Strategies

• Monitor file system events for unusual file move operations initiated by Docker Desktop processes
• Implement file integrity monitoring (FIM) on critical system directories and configuration files
• Review Docker Desktop logs for anomalous file operations or unexpected path references
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of identifying suspicious file manipulation patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced logging for Docker Desktop file operations on Windows systems
• Configure alerts for file modifications in protected system directories
• Implement baseline monitoring for Docker Desktop process behavior
• Regularly audit file system changes on systems running Docker Desktop

How to Mitigate CVE-2022-23774

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Docker Desktop to version 4.4.4 or later immediately
• Audit Windows systems running vulnerable Docker Desktop versions for signs of compromise
• Implement network segmentation to limit exposure of systems running Docker Desktop
• Enable file integrity monitoring on critical system files and directories

Patch Information

Docker has addressed this vulnerability in Docker Desktop version 4.4.4. Organizations should upgrade to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability. Detailed release information and upgrade instructions are available in the Docker Windows Release Notes.

The patch resolves the arbitrary file move vulnerability by implementing proper validation and restrictions on file operations within Docker Desktop for Windows.

Workarounds

• Restrict network access to systems running vulnerable Docker Desktop versions until patching is complete
• Implement strict file system permissions to limit the impact of potential exploitation
• Consider temporarily disabling Docker Desktop on critical systems until the update can be applied
• Deploy application whitelisting to prevent execution of files moved to unexpected locations

# Verify Docker Desktop version on Windows
docker version

# Update Docker Desktop via command line (if applicable)
# Or download the latest version from the official Docker website
# Target version: 4.4.4 or later