Docker Desktop: --useapisocket Bypass ECI Restrictions
CVE-2026-6406 Published on May 22, 2026
Docker Desktop Enhanced Container Isolation bypass via --use-api-socket CLI flag
The Docker CLI --use-api-socket flag bypasses Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) restrictions in Docker Desktop. When ECI is enabled, Docker socket mounts from containers are denied unless explicitly allowed via the admin-settings configuration. However, the --use-api-socket flag adds the Docker socket mount via the HostConfig.Mounts field rather than the HostConfig.Binds field. The ECI enforcement in the Docker Desktop API proxy only inspected Binds, allowing the mount to pass unchecked. This grants a container full access to the Docker Engine socket and, if the host user has logged in to container registries, their authentication credentials.
A local attacker with the ability to run Docker CLI commands can exploit this to escape ECI restrictions, access the Docker Engine, and potentially escalate privileges.
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2026-6406 is exploitable with local system access, and requires small amount of user privileges. This vulnerability is considered to have a low attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to be very high.
Weakness Type
What is an AuthZ Vulnerability?
The software performs an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action, but it does not correctly perform the check. This allows attackers to bypass intended access restrictions.
CVE-2026-6406 has been classified to as an AuthZ vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2026-6406
Want to know whenever a new CVE is published for Docker Desktop? stack.watch will email you.
Affected Versions
Docker Desktop:- Version 4.41.0 and below 4.59.0 is affected.