REDHAT-BUG-2444574: High severity Docker Docker CLI vulnerability
Docker CLI for Windows searches for plugin binaries in C:\ProgramData\Docker\cli-plugins, a directory that does not exist by default. A low-privileged attacker can create this directory and place malicious CLI plugin binaries (docker-compose.exe, docker-buildx.exe, etc.) that are executed when a victim user opens Docker Desktop or invokes Docker CLI plugin features, and allow privilege-escalation if the docker CLI is executed as a privileged user.
This issue affects Docker CLI: through 29.1.5 and Windows binaries acting as a CLI-plugin manager using the github.com/docker/cli/cli-plugins/manager https://pkg.go.dev/github.com/docker/cli@v29.1.5+incompatible/cli-plugins/manager package, such as Docker Compose.
This issue does not impact non-Windows binaries, and projects not using the plugin-manager code.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of REDHAT-BUG-2444574?
The severity of REDHAT-BUG-2444574 is high with a risk score of 7.
How do I fix REDHAT-BUG-2444574?
To fix REDHAT-BUG-2444574, ensure that the directory C:\ProgramData\Docker\cli-plugins does not exist or contains only trusted binaries.
What are the potential impacts of REDHAT-BUG-2444574?
The potential impact of REDHAT-BUG-2444574 includes execution of malicious command-line interface plugins by an attacker.
Who is affected by REDHAT-BUG-2444574?
Anyone using Docker CLI for Windows is affected by REDHAT-BUG-2444574 due to the vulnerability in plugin handling.
When was REDHAT-BUG-2444574 published?
REDHAT-BUG-2444574 was published on March 4, 2026.