Concerns Arise Over Vulnerability in Docker Desktop for macOS
A recent vulnerability discovered in Docker Desktop for macOS has sparked significant apprehension among developers and security professionals. This flaw, which results from the inadequate implementation of Registry Access Management (RAM) policies under specific conditions, poses a serious risk. It could potentially allow unauthorized access to possibly malicious container images, thereby exposing organizations to the threat of supply chain attacks.
Exploring the Vulnerability
The vulnerability primarily manifests when organizations enforce a sign-in requirement via a macOS configuration profile. In such scenarios, Docker Desktop fails to adequately apply the intended RAM policies that dictate which registries users can access. This shortcoming allows developers using affected versions of Docker Desktop on macOS to bypass restrictions and draw images from any Docker registry, including those that are neither approved nor vetted by the organization.
According to a report by the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) project, the issue has been assigned a CVSS base score of 4.3, categorizing it as medium severity. This rating indicates a potential for business disruption and highlights an expanded attack surface, particularly within environments where Docker plays a critical role in software development lifecycles.
Details and Implications
The specifics of the vulnerability can be outlined through the details provided in the CVE report:
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-4095
- Vulnerability Name: Docker Registry Flaw Lets macOS Users Access Any Registry Without Authorization
- Common Weakness Enumeration: CWE-862: Missing Authorization
- Affected Product: Docker Desktop
- Platform: macOS
- Affected Versions: Versions from 4.36.0 to before 4.41.0.
Docker’s RAM feature was designed to empower administrators, enabling them to restrict Docker Desktop users to organization-approved registries. However, when sign-in enforcement is managed through macOS configuration profiles, the critical safeguard established by RAM becomes ineffective.
As a consequence of this vulnerability, users may inadvertently or even deliberately download untrusted images that could harbor malware, ransomware, or backdoors. Even though the issue requires a local authenticated user (indicating a local attack vector), the ramifications are substantial, particularly for organizations that integrate Docker Desktop into their DevOps pipelines.
Attackers who take advantage of this flaw could infiltrate compromised containers into the software supply chain. This intrusion would not only undermine application security but could also contravene compliance mandates, increasing the stakes for organizations that fail to address the issue.
Recommended Actions for Organizations
To mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability, organizations are advised to undertake several crucial steps:
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Upgrade to Docker Desktop version 4.41.0 or later, where the vulnerability has been explicitly addressed.
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Regularly audit Docker Desktop settings and registry policies to ensure compliance and security integrity.
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Monitor for unapproved container images within both development and production environments to prevent exposure to unknown risks.
- Educate development teams on best practices, emphasizing the importance of sourcing images exclusively from trusted repositories.
Docker has proactively released patches and strongly urges all macOS users to upgrade promptly. Ensuring that organizational security controls are effectively enforced is essential to maintain the integrity of the software development environment and protect against potential attacks.
In conclusion, while vulnerabilities in software infrastructure are not uncommon, the nature of this particular flaw in Docker Desktop for macOS underscores the need for vigilance within development organizations. The repercussions of unauthorized access to container images emphasize the importance of robust security measures and ongoing education in the rapidly evolving landscape of software development and deployment. By taking immediate action, organizations can fortify their defenses against potential threats and enhance their overall security posture.