CVE-2019-13509 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Docker Engine in debug mode may inadvertently expose secrets in the debug log, affecting versions prior to 18.09.8.

Understanding CVE-2019-13509

Docker CE and EE versions before 18.09.8, as well as Docker EE versions before 17.06.2-ee-23 and 18.x before 18.03.1-ee-10, had a vulnerability where secrets could be included in the debug log.

What is CVE-2019-13509?

In Docker Engine debug mode, secrets could be exposed in the debug log when redeploying a stack containing non-external secrets using the 'docker stack deploy' command.

The Impact of CVE-2019-13509

This vulnerability could lead to the inadvertent exposure of sensitive information, potentially compromising the security and confidentiality of the Docker environment.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-13509

Docker Engine debug mode vulnerability affecting versions prior to 18.09.8.

Vulnerability Description

Docker Engine in debug mode occasionally included secrets in the debug log when redeploying stacks with non-external secrets.

Affected Systems and Versions

Docker CE and EE versions before 18.09.8
Docker EE versions before 17.06.2-ee-23 and 18.x before 18.03.1-ee-10

Exploitation Mechanism

Occurred when using 'docker stack deploy' to redeploy a stack with non-external secrets
May affect other API users of the stack API if secrets are resent

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent the CVE-2019-13509 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Docker CE and EE to version 18.09.8 or newer
Avoid redeploying stacks with non-external secrets

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update Docker security configurations
Implement secure handling of secrets and sensitive data

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Docker to address the vulnerability