Detections
Analytics

Docker Desktop < 4.41.0 Privilege Escalation

medium Nessus Plugin ID 235121

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Synopsis

The remote host has an application installed that is affected by a privilege escalation vulnerability.

Description

The version of Docker Desktop for Windows is prior to 4.41.0. It is therefore affected by a privilege escalation vulnerability.
A vulnerability in the update process of Docker Desktop for Windows versions prior to 4.41.0 could allow a local, low-privileged attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM. During an update, Docker Desktop attempts to delete files and subdirectories under the path C:\ProgramData\Docker\config with high privileges. However, this directory often does not exist by default, and C:\ProgramData\ allows normal users to create new directories. By creating a malicious Docker\config folder structure at this location, an attacker can force the privileged update process to delete or manipulate arbitrary system files, leading to Elevation of Privilege.

Note that Nessus has not tested for this issue but has instead relied only on the application's self-reported version number.

Solution

Upgrade to Docker Desktop version 4.41.0 or later

Plugin Details

Severity: Medium

ID: 235121

File Name: docker_cve-2025-3224_win.nasl

Version: 1.1

Type: local

Agent: windows

Family: Windows

Published: 5/5/2025

Updated: 5/5/2025

Supported Sensors: Nessus Agent, Nessus

Risk Information

VPR

Risk Factor: High

Score: 8.4

CVSS v2

Risk Factor: Critical

Base Score: 10

Vector: CVSS2#AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C

CVSS Score Source: CVE-2025-3224

CVSS v3

Risk Factor: Medium

Base Score: 6.7

Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:L/AC:H/PR:L/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Vulnerability Information

CPE: cpe:/a:docker:docker

Required KB Items: SMB/Registry/Enumerated, installed_sw/Docker for Windows

Patch Publication Date: 4/28/2025

Vulnerability Publication Date: 4/28/2025

Reference Information

CVE: CVE-2025-3224

CWE: 269, 59

IAVA: 2025-A-0301