CVE-2025-3224 Elevation of Privilege in Docker Desktop for Windows during Upgrade due to Insecure Directory Deletion
Local attackers can escalate privileges to SYSTEM by exploiting insecure directory deletion during Docker Desktop updates on Windows.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Any signed-in user
- Attackable
- Local or same network only
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2025-3224?
CVE-2025-3224 is a high-severity vulnerability in Docker Desktop, published on 28 Apr 2025. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
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.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-3224?
It affects 1 product.
Products include Docker Desktop.
How do I fix CVE-2025-3224?
No fix has been published for CVE-2025-3224 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Is CVE-2025-3224 being exploited?
It is not confirmed as exploited in the wild, but public exploit code for CVE-2025-3224 exists.
Other vulnerabilities in Docker Desktop
Sources
Also known as GHSA-6233-jj46-vp44.