Docker Desktop Vulnerability Allows Unauthorized Access to Docker Engine API

CVE-2025-9074

What is CVE-2025-9074?

CVE-2025-9074 is a vulnerability found in Docker Desktop, a popular application used for developing, shipping, and running applications within containers. The primary purpose of Docker Desktop is to provide an easy way to manage Docker containers on desktops, thereby streamlining development workflows. This vulnerability allows local running Linux containers to gain unauthorized access to the Docker Engine API through the preconfigured Docker subnet. It affects configurations regardless of whether Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) or the option to expose the daemon on a TCP socket without TLS is enabled.

The implications of this vulnerability are significant. Attackers exploiting this flaw could execute a wide range of privileged commands via the Docker Engine API—these actions include managing existing containers, creating new containers, and altering images. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, such as when operating Docker Desktop for Windows with a Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) backend, attackers might also gain the ability to mount the host drive with the same permissions as the user running Docker Desktop. This level of access poses considerable risks to system integrity and confidentiality within an organization.

Potential impact of CVE-2025-9074

1. Unauthorized Access and Control: The vulnerability may enable malicious actors to gain control over the Docker Engine API, allowing them to manipulate existing containers, potentially executing arbitrary commands or disrupting services.

2. Data Exposure: With the capability to mount the host drive with user privileges, attackers could gain access to sensitive data stored on the host system, leading to potential data breaches and loss of confidentiality.

3. Operational Disruption: By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers could disrupt the operations of applications that rely on Docker containers, leading to downtime or degraded performance, which in turn affects business operations and customer satisfaction.

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