CVE-2024-8695: Docker Desktop RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-8695 Overview

CVE-2024-8695 is a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability affecting Docker Desktop versions prior to 4.34.2. The vulnerability exists in the extension description and changelog handling mechanism, allowing a malicious extension to execute arbitrary code on the host system through specially crafted content.

Critical Impact

A malicious Docker Desktop extension can achieve remote code execution on the host system by exploiting improper handling of extension description or changelog content, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

Affected Products

• Docker Desktop versions prior to 4.34.2
• All platforms running vulnerable Docker Desktop versions (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Systems with Docker Desktop extensions enabled

Discovery Timeline

• 2024-09-12 - CVE CVE-2024-8695 published to NVD
• 2024-09-13 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-8695

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper input validation when Docker Desktop processes extension metadata, specifically the description and changelog fields. The weakness is classified under CWE-79 (Cross-Site Scripting), indicating that the vulnerability involves improper neutralization of input during web page generation.

Docker Desktop's extension framework renders extension metadata in a context that allows script execution. When a malicious extension includes crafted content in its description or changelog, this content is processed without adequate sanitization, enabling remote code execution. The attack requires some user interaction, as the victim must install or interact with a malicious extension.

The network attack vector combined with the ability to compromise confidentiality, integrity, and availability of both the vulnerable system and subsequent systems makes this a particularly severe vulnerability for development environments where Docker Desktop is commonly deployed.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of user-controllable input in the extension metadata rendering pipeline. Docker Desktop fails to adequately sanitize or escape content from extension descriptions and changelogs before rendering them in a context where code execution is possible. This allows specially crafted payloads embedded in extension metadata to execute with the privileges of the Docker Desktop application.

Attack Vector

The attack vector involves creating a malicious Docker extension with a crafted description or changelog field containing executable payloads. When a user browses, installs, or views information about the malicious extension within Docker Desktop, the malicious payload is triggered.

The exploitation scenario typically involves:

1. An attacker creates a malicious extension and publishes it or distributes it through unofficial channels
2. A victim discovers the extension and views its details within Docker Desktop
3. The crafted description or changelog content is rendered without proper sanitization
4. The payload executes in the context of Docker Desktop, potentially achieving full code execution on the host system

Due to the nature of the vulnerability involving crafted extension metadata rather than specific code sequences, technical details should be reviewed in the Docker Release Notes 4.34.2 for complete remediation guidance.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-8695

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected processes spawned by Docker Desktop
• Unusual network connections originating from Docker Desktop processes
• Suspicious Docker extension installations or modifications
• Anomalous file system activity in Docker Desktop directories

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Docker Desktop extension installations for unauthorized or unknown extensions
• Implement endpoint detection rules for child processes spawned by Docker Desktop
• Review installed extensions against an approved whitelist
• Analyze Docker Desktop logs for signs of exploitation attempts

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced logging for Docker Desktop extension activities
• Deploy SentinelOne agents to monitor for anomalous behavior from Docker Desktop processes
• Implement network monitoring for unexpected outbound connections from development workstations
• Establish baseline behavior for Docker Desktop to identify deviations

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-8695

Immediate Actions Required

• Upgrade Docker Desktop to version 4.34.2 or later immediately
• Audit all installed Docker Desktop extensions and remove untrusted ones
• Restrict extension installation to approved sources only
• Review systems for signs of compromise if vulnerable versions were in use

Patch Information

Docker has released version 4.34.2 which addresses this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize upgrading all Docker Desktop installations to this version or later. The patch information and release notes are available in the Docker Desktop Release Notes.

Workarounds

• Disable Docker Desktop extensions until the patch can be applied
• Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized extension installations
• Use network segmentation to limit exposure of development workstations
• Consider containerized development environments with restricted extension access

# Verify Docker Desktop version
docker version

# List installed extensions and review for unauthorized entries
docker extension ls

# Remove suspicious extensions
docker extension rm <extension-name>

# Update Docker Desktop (platform-specific)
# Windows: Use Docker Desktop update mechanism or download from docker.com
# macOS: Use Docker Desktop update mechanism or download from docker.com
# Linux: Follow distribution-specific update procedures