CVE-2024-41968 Overview
CVE-2024-41968 is a missing authentication vulnerability [CWE-306] that allows a low-privileged remote attacker to modify Docker settings on an affected device. Successful exploitation results in a limited denial-of-service (DoS) condition affecting the availability and integrity of the containerized workloads managed by the device. The issue is documented in VDE Security Advisory VDE-2024-047.
Critical Impact
Authenticated attackers with low privileges can alter Docker configuration remotely over the network, disrupting container services and degrading device availability.
Affected Products
- Devices covered by VDE Security Advisory VDE-2024-047
- Industrial and embedded devices exposing Docker configuration endpoints
- Deployments where the affected firmware manages containerized workloads
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-18 - CVE-2024-41968 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-41968
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from missing authentication on a function that manages Docker settings on the affected device. A low-privileged remote user can reach the Docker configuration interface without additional authorization checks. Once reached, the attacker can alter runtime parameters that govern container behavior.
The practical outcome is a limited denial-of-service condition. Modified Docker settings can prevent containers from starting, stop running workloads, or place the container runtime into an unusable state. Because the impact is scoped to container operations rather than the underlying host, the effect on confidentiality is none, while integrity and availability suffer limited degradation.
Root Cause
The root cause is a missing authentication check [CWE-306] on the Docker settings management functionality. The device exposes an administrative operation that should require elevated privileges but instead accepts requests from any authenticated user, including low-privileged accounts.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the device and valid low-privileged credentials. No user interaction is needed, and the attack complexity is low. The attacker sends a request to the Docker settings interface and modifies parameters that control container startup, networking, or runtime behavior. Refer to VDE Security Advisory VDE-2024-047 for vendor-specific technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-41968
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected changes to Docker daemon or container configuration on the affected device
- Container services failing to start or terminating without an operator-initiated change
- Configuration modification requests originating from low-privileged user accounts
Detection Strategies
- Audit administrative endpoints for requests that modify Docker settings and correlate them with the privilege level of the requesting user
- Compare current Docker configuration against a known-good baseline and alert on drift
- Monitor for container lifecycle anomalies such as unexpected restarts, stops, or configuration reloads
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward device management logs, authentication events, and container runtime logs to a centralized analytics platform
- Alert on Docker configuration changes performed outside of scheduled maintenance windows
- Track authentication events from non-administrative accounts that interact with device management functions
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-41968
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the vendor-supplied firmware update referenced in VDE Security Advisory VDE-2024-047
- Restrict network access to the device management interface to trusted administrative networks
- Review and remove unnecessary low-privileged accounts that can reach the device
Patch Information
Consult VDE Security Advisory VDE-2024-047 for the authoritative list of affected products and fixed firmware versions. Apply the vendor-provided patch as soon as it is available within your maintenance window.
Workarounds
- Segment affected devices onto a management VLAN reachable only by administrators
- Enforce strong authentication and least-privilege on all accounts that can access the device
- Continuously monitor Docker configuration state and revert unauthorized changes
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
