// For flags

CVE-2025-3224

Elevation of Privilege in Docker Desktop for Windows during Upgrade due to Insecure Directory Deletion

Severity Score

7.3
*CVSS v4

Exploit Likelihood

*EPSS

Affected Versions

*CPE

Public Exploits

0
*Multiple Sources

Exploited in Wild

-
*KEV

Decision

Attend
*SSVC
Descriptions

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.

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.

*Credits: Dong-uk Kim, KAIST Hacking Lab
CVSS Scores
Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
High
Attack Requirements
Present
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
Active
System
Vulnerable | Subsequent
Confidentiality
High
High
Integrity
High
High
Availability
High
High
Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Privileges Required
Low
User Interaction
None
Scope
Unchanged
Confidentiality
High
Integrity
High
Availability
High
Attack Vector
Local
Attack Complexity
Low
Authentication
Single
Confidentiality
Complete
Integrity
Complete
Availability
Complete
* Common Vulnerability Scoring System
SSVC
  • Decision:Attend
Exploitation
Poc
Automatable
No
Tech. Impact
Total
* Organization's Worst-case Scenario
Timeline
  • 2025-04-03 CVE Reserved
  • 2025-04-28 CVE Published
  • 2025-04-28 CVE Updated
  • 2025-05-10 EPSS Updated
  • ---------- Exploited in Wild
  • ---------- KEV Due Date
  • ---------- First Exploit
CWE
  • CWE-59: Improper Link Resolution Before File Access ('Link Following')
  • CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management
CAPEC
  • CAPEC-165: File Manipulation
Affected Vendors, Products, and Versions
Vendor Product Version Other Status
Vendor Product Version Other Status <-- --> Vendor Product Version Other Status
Docker
Search vendor "Docker"
Docker Desktop
Search vendor "Docker" for product "Docker Desktop"
< 4.41.0
Search vendor "Docker" for product "Docker Desktop" and version " < 4.41.0"
en
Affected