CVE-2023-0628 Overview
CVE-2023-0628 is a command injection vulnerability affecting Docker Desktop versions prior to 4.17.0. This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands inside a Dev Environments container during initialization by tricking a user into opening a crafted malicious docker-desktop:// URL. The attack leverages the custom URL protocol handler to inject commands that execute within the container context.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation enables arbitrary command execution within Docker Dev Environments containers, potentially compromising containerized workloads and sensitive data accessed during development workflows.
Affected Products
- Docker Desktop versions prior to 4.17.0
- All platforms supporting Docker Desktop with Dev Environments feature enabled
Discovery Timeline
- 2023-03-13 - CVE-2023-0628 published to NVD
- 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2023-0628
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command - Command Injection). The flaw exists in how Docker Desktop processes custom docker-desktop:// protocol URLs when initializing Dev Environments containers. When a user clicks on a maliciously crafted URL, Docker Desktop fails to properly sanitize the input parameters before passing them to the container initialization process.
The attack requires local access and user interaction, as the victim must be tricked into clicking the malicious URL. However, once triggered, the attacker gains the ability to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the Dev Environments container, which may have access to mounted volumes, network resources, and development secrets.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2023-0628 lies in insufficient input validation within the docker-desktop:// URL protocol handler. When processing URL parameters for Dev Environments initialization, the application fails to properly escape or sanitize special characters that could be interpreted as command delimiters or injection payloads. This allows an attacker to break out of the intended command context and inject additional commands.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for this vulnerability involves social engineering combined with local execution. An attacker must craft a malicious docker-desktop:// URL containing command injection payloads and convince the target user to click on it. This could be accomplished through:
- Embedding the malicious URL in a phishing email or malicious website
- Including the crafted URL in a seemingly legitimate document or chat message
- Exploiting auto-link features in collaboration tools
The malicious URL, when clicked, is handled by Docker Desktop's protocol handler, which processes the embedded parameters during Dev Environments container initialization. The injected commands execute within the container context, potentially allowing data exfiltration, backdoor installation, or lateral movement within the development environment.
Detection Methods for CVE-2023-0628
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected process spawning within Docker Dev Environments containers
- Unusual network connections originating from development containers
- Modified or newly created files within container volumes that don't match expected development activity
- Docker Desktop log entries showing suspicious docker-desktop:// URL handling
Detection Strategies
- Monitor for unusual command-line arguments passed to Docker Desktop processes
- Implement URL filtering to detect and block suspicious docker-desktop:// protocol requests
- Deploy endpoint detection solutions that can identify anomalous container initialization patterns
- Review Docker Desktop application logs for malformed or suspicious URL handling events
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for Docker Desktop to capture URL handler activity
- Monitor process creation events within Dev Environments containers for unexpected commands
- Implement network monitoring to detect unusual outbound connections from development containers
- Configure alerts for Docker Desktop spawning unexpected child processes
How to Mitigate CVE-2023-0628
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Docker Desktop to version 4.17.0 or later immediately
- Educate users about the risks of clicking unknown docker-desktop:// links
- Consider disabling Dev Environments feature if not required for development workflows
- Review any recently accessed docker-desktop:// URLs for suspicious parameters
Patch Information
Docker has addressed this vulnerability in Docker Desktop version 4.17.0. The fix implements proper input validation and sanitization for the docker-desktop:// URL protocol handler, preventing command injection during Dev Environments container initialization. Users should refer to the Docker Desktop Release Notes for complete patch details and upgrade instructions.
Workarounds
- Disable or restrict the docker-desktop:// URL protocol handler at the operating system level until patching is possible
- Implement browser security policies to block or warn on custom protocol URLs
- Use application allowlisting to prevent unauthorized execution through Docker Desktop
- Train development teams to be cautious of unsolicited links, especially those using custom protocols
# Verify Docker Desktop version
docker version --format '{{.Client.Version}}'
# Upgrade Docker Desktop (manual download required from docker.com)
# After upgrade, verify the version is 4.17.0 or higher
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
