CVE-2023-5165: Docker Desktop before 4.23.0 allows Enhanced Container Isolation bypass via debug shell

Severity: high (CVSS 8.8 v3.1)
Exploited in the wild: not listed in CISA KEV
EPSS: 0.3% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days
Public exploit or detection template: none known
Published: 2023-09-25 · updated 2026-06-17
Weakness: CWE-424

Description

Docker Desktop before 4.23.0 allows an unprivileged user to bypass Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) restrictions via the debug shell which remains accessible for a short time window after launching Docker Desktop. The affected functionality is available for Docker Business customers only and assumes an environment where users are not granted local root or Administrator privileges. This issue has been fixed in Docker Desktop 4.23.0. Affected Docker Desktop versions: from 4.13.0 before 4.23.0.

Affected products

Docker Inc. Docker Desktop: from 4.13.0 before 4.23.0 — fixed in 4.23.0

How to fix

Upgrade to a fixed version: Docker Inc. Docker Desktop 4.23.0. Check the vendor advisory for mitigations.

References

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