CVE-2025-9164: Multiple DLL Search Order Hijacking Vulnerabilities in Docker Desktop Installer for Windows

Published Oct 27, 2025
·
Updated

Docker Desktop Installer.exe is vulnerable to DLL hijacking due to insecure DLL search order. The installer searches for required DLLs in the user's Downloads folder before checking system directories, allowing local privilege escalation through malicious DLL placement.This issue affects Docker Desktop: through 4.48.0.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Docker Docker Desktop<=4.48.0

Event History

Oct 27, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·01:53 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·01:53 PM
DescriptionWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·02:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Feb 28, 57989
Event
via FIRST·07:43 AM

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-9164?

CVE-2025-9164 has a high severity rating due to its potential for local privilege escalation.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-9164?

To fix CVE-2025-9164, update to the latest version of Docker Desktop that addresses this DLL hijacking vulnerability.

3

What causes CVE-2025-9164?

CVE-2025-9164 is caused by an insecure DLL search order in the Docker Desktop Installer.exe.

4

Who is affected by CVE-2025-9164?

Users of Docker Desktop version 4.48.0 and earlier are affected by CVE-2025-9164.

5

What are the potential impacts of CVE-2025-9164?

The potential impact of CVE-2025-9164 includes local privilege escalation, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with elevated permissions.

Contact

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