Docker Desktop DLL hijacking via Installer.exe (before 4.48.0)
CVE-2025-9164 Published on October 27, 2025
Multiple DLL Search Order Hijacking Vulnerabilities in Docker Desktop Installer for Windows
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.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2025-9164 is exploitable with local system access, and requires small amount of user privileges. This vulnerability is consided to have a high level of attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have no impact on confidentiality and integrity and availability.
Weakness Type
What is a DLL preloading Vulnerability?
The product uses a fixed or controlled search path to find resources, but one or more locations in that path can be under the control of unintended actors.
CVE-2025-9164 has been classified to as a DLL preloading vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2025-9164
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Affected Versions
Docker Desktop:- Before and including 4.48.0 is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.