CVE-2023-0633
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Docker Desktop for Windows allows local attackers to escalate privileges through argument injection in the installer. Attackers with local access can exploit this to gain elevated system permissions. Only Windows users running Docker Desktop versions before 4.12.0 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Docker Desktop
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise where an attacker gains SYSTEM/administrator privileges, enabling complete control over the Windows host.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security controls, install malware, or access restricted resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper user account controls and restricted local access, though privilege escalation remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access to the Windows system. The argument injection vulnerability in the installer component enables privilege escalation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.12.0
Vendor Advisory: https://docs.docker.com/desktop/release-notes/#4120
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Docker Desktop application. 2. Click on the Settings/Preferences menu. 3. Navigate to Software Updates. 4. Check for updates and install version 4.12.0 or later. 5. Restart Docker Desktop and the system if prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Local Access
windowsLimit local user access to systems running vulnerable Docker Desktop versions
Use Docker Engine Instead
windowsReplace Docker Desktop with Docker Engine for Windows Server environments
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least-privilege access controls for all user accounts
- Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts using Windows Event Logs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Docker Desktop version in Settings > About Docker Desktop. If version is below 4.12.0, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
docker version --format '{{.Client.Version}}' (Note: This shows Docker CLI version, not Docker Desktop version)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify Docker Desktop version is 4.12.0 or higher in Settings > About Docker Desktop.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing unexpected privilege escalation
- Docker Desktop installer process spawning with unusual arguments
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators as this is a local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%docker%' AND CommandLine CONTAINS suspicious_arguments