Docker Privilege Escalation Methods & Risks

Docker container privilege escalation refers to gaining root or other high-level permissions within a Docker container. Here are some common methods for Docker container privilege escalation:

1. Utilizing a privileged container: When creating a Docker container, you can use the –privileged parameter to launch a privileged container, giving it the same permissions as the host machine. However, it is important to be aware that using a privileged container may pose security risks.
2. By using the Docker API, you can access metadata about containers, including the PID (process ID), allowing you to access the container’s file system and gain root privileges.
3. Exploiting Docker vulnerabilities: If the Docker version is outdated or has vulnerabilities, it could be exploited to escalate privileges. Therefore, it is important to regularly update Docker versions and security patches.
4. Exploiting vulnerabilities within containers: Sometimes there may be unpatched vulnerabilities within containers that can be used to elevate privileges.
5. By using mount points: if there are mount points in the container, privileges can be escalated through the permissions of the mount points.

In general, maintaining the updates and security of Docker and its related components is an important measure to avoid container privilege escalation.