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Alpine Linux RCE Vulnerability

A vulnerability in the Alpine Linux distribution, commonly used with the popular Docker containerisation software, has been disclosed by a security researcher.
Threat ID:
CC-2669
Category:
Exploit
Threat Severity:
Low
Threat Vector:
Published:
14 September 2018 12:00 AM
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. Use of this information contained in this page is at your own risk

Summary

A vulnerability in the Alpine Linux distribution, commonly used with the popular Docker containerisation software, has been disclosed by a security researcher.

Affected platforms

The following platforms are known to be affected:

Docker Hub Alpine Linux images

  • Docker Hub Alpine Linux images - Distribution builds prior to 4834

Threat details

This vulnerability could be exploited by a local man-in-the-middle attacker to perform remote code execution on an affected system.

When downloading new packages, the Docker package manager will extract and link all files or directories within them before checking their hash values; if these values are incorrect the manager will then attempt to unlink and remove the files.

These linked files can be used to exploit the manager's 'commit hooks' feature. Linked files placed within a specific directory before the manager checks their hash values are able to persist beyond it's cleanup process and will be executed when the manager exits.

For further information:

Remediation steps

Type Step
Alpine Linux have released an update, as well as new build versions, to address this vulnerability. Users and administrators are encouraged to apply these updates immediately.

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:36 pm