CVE-2021-37841 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-37841 affecting Docker Desktop before 3.6.0, allowing low-privileged accounts to compromise containers, potentially leading to code execution.
Docker Desktop before 3.6.0 is affected by an incorrect access control vulnerability. This flaw allows a low-privileged account to compromise containers, leading to potential code execution.
Understanding CVE-2021-37841
This section will provide insights into the nature and impact of the CVE-2021-37841 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-37841?
The CVE-2021-37841 vulnerability in Docker Desktop before 3.6.0 enables a low-privileged account to access Windows containers' servers, resulting in a complete container compromise in various isolation modes. This security issue permits an attacker with limited privileges to manipulate code within the containers.
The Impact of CVE-2021-37841
The vulnerability poses a significant threat by allowing unauthorized access to containerized environments, potentially leading to data breaches, code execution, and overall system compromise.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-37841
In this section, we will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stems from incorrect access control in Docker Desktop versions prior to 3.6.0, enabling unauthorized users to compromise the integrity of containers.
Affected Systems and Versions
Docker Desktop versions before 3.6.0 are confirmed to be impacted by this vulnerability, potentially affecting a significant number of users.
Exploitation Mechanism
By leveraging the incorrect access control issue, threat actors with low privileges can exploit the vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to containerized environments and execute malicious code.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section will outline measures to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-37841.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update Docker Desktop to version 3.6.0 or later to address the access control vulnerability and prevent unauthorized access to containers.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing the principle of least privilege, regular security audits, and keeping software up to date are crucial for enhancing overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
Regularly monitoring for security updates from Docker and promptly applying patches is essential to protect systems from known vulnerabilities.