CVE-2022-25365: Docker Desktop Path Traversal Flaw

CVE-2022-25365 Overview

CVE-2022-25365 is a file system vulnerability affecting Docker Desktop for Windows that allows local attackers to move arbitrary files on the system. This vulnerability exists due to an incomplete fix for the previously disclosed CVE-2022-23774. Attackers with local access can exploit this flaw to manipulate files outside of intended directories, potentially leading to privilege escalation, data compromise, or system instability.

Critical Impact

Local attackers can move arbitrary files on Windows systems running vulnerable Docker Desktop versions, potentially enabling privilege escalation or system compromise.

Affected Products

• Docker Desktop for Windows versions before 4.5.1
• Microsoft Windows (as the underlying operating system platform)

Discovery Timeline

• 2022-02-19 - CVE-2022-25365 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2022-25365

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability represents an incomplete security fix for the earlier CVE-2022-23774. Docker Desktop on Windows failed to properly restrict file operations, allowing authenticated local users to move files to arbitrary locations on the filesystem. The local attack vector requires an attacker to have prior access to the system, but once exploited, the impact is severe—affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the target system.

The vulnerability requires low privileges and no user interaction to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or systems where Docker Desktop is deployed for development or containerization workflows.

Root Cause

The root cause stems from insufficient input validation and improper access controls in Docker Desktop's file handling mechanisms on Windows. When the initial vulnerability (CVE-2022-23774) was patched, certain edge cases or attack vectors were not fully addressed, leaving a residual security gap that attackers could still exploit to perform arbitrary file move operations.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is local, meaning an attacker must have authenticated access to the Windows system running a vulnerable version of Docker Desktop. The exploitation flow typically involves:

1. An attacker with low-privileged local access identifies a vulnerable Docker Desktop installation (versions prior to 4.5.1)
2. The attacker leverages the file handling flaw to move sensitive system files or inject malicious files into privileged locations
3. This file manipulation can lead to privilege escalation, overwriting critical configuration files, or disrupting system operations

Due to the nature of this vulnerability, no verified exploit code examples are publicly available. The vulnerability manifests in Docker Desktop's internal file operations handling. For detailed technical information, refer to the Docker Windows Release Notes and the NetApp Security Advisory NTAP-20220331-0001.

Detection Methods for CVE-2022-25365

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected file movements or relocations in system directories
• Docker Desktop service logs showing unusual file operation patterns
• Files appearing in privileged directories that should not be accessible to low-privileged users
• Modifications to system configuration files correlating with Docker Desktop activity

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Docker Desktop version across all Windows endpoints and flag installations below version 4.5.1
• Implement file integrity monitoring (FIM) on critical system directories to detect unauthorized file movements
• Review Windows Event Logs for suspicious file operations originating from Docker Desktop processes
• Deploy endpoint detection rules to alert on file operations from Docker-related processes targeting sensitive paths

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed logging for Docker Desktop and Windows file system events
• Configure alerts for any file operations by Docker processes outside of designated container storage paths
• Regularly audit installed Docker Desktop versions as part of vulnerability management processes
• Use SentinelOne's Singularity platform to monitor for behavioral anomalies associated with file manipulation attacks

How to Mitigate CVE-2022-25365

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Docker Desktop for Windows to version 4.5.1 or later immediately
• Audit all Windows systems running Docker Desktop to identify vulnerable installations
• Restrict local access to Docker Desktop systems to only essential personnel
• Implement the principle of least privilege for all user accounts on affected systems

Patch Information

Docker has addressed this vulnerability in Docker Desktop version 4.5.1 for Windows. Organizations should update to this version or later to remediate the vulnerability. The official release notes and patch information are available in the Docker Windows Release Notes. Additionally, NetApp has issued guidance in their Security Advisory NTAP-20220331-0001.

Workarounds

• Limit local access to systems running Docker Desktop until patches can be applied
• Implement strict file system permissions on critical system directories
• Use application control policies to restrict Docker Desktop's file operation capabilities
• Monitor and audit file operations on affected systems as a compensating control until upgrade is complete

# Verify Docker Desktop version on Windows
docker version --format '{{.Server.Version}}'

# If version is below 4.5.1, upgrade immediately via Docker Desktop settings or download
# Download latest version from https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/