CVE-2025-13743 identifies a vulnerability in Docker Desktop version 4.51.0 related to the improper handling of sensitive information during diagnostic data collection. Specifically, expired Docker Hub Personal Access Tokens (PATs) are included in diagnostic bundles due to error object serialization when access denied errors occur. This behavior results in the insertion of sensitive information into log files (CWE-532), which can be exported and potentially accessed by unauthorized users. Although the tokens are expired and thus less useful for direct authentication, their exposure still represents a confidentiality risk, especially if logs are shared externally or stored insecurely. The vulnerability requires local access with limited privileges and user interaction to trigger the diagnostic generation, limiting remote exploitation. The CVSS 4.0 score of 2.4 reflects low severity, emphasizing limited impact and exploitation complexity. No patches or known exploits are currently reported, but the issue highlights the need for secure handling of sensitive data in diagnostic processes. Docker Desktop is widely used in development and production environments, making this a relevant concern for organizations relying on containerization. The vulnerability does not affect integrity or availability but compromises confidentiality by leaking sensitive tokens in logs.

For European organizations, the primary impact of CVE-2025-13743 is the potential leakage of sensitive authentication tokens within diagnostic logs, which could be inadvertently shared or accessed by unauthorized personnel. While the tokens are expired, their presence in logs may facilitate reconnaissance or social engineering attacks, or reveal internal infrastructure details. Organizations with strict data protection regulations, such as GDPR, may face compliance risks if sensitive information is exposed. The vulnerability is less likely to cause direct operational disruption or data integrity issues but could undermine trust in container security practices. Given Docker Desktop's popularity among developers and IT teams across Europe, especially in countries with advanced cloud and container adoption, this vulnerability could affect a broad range of sectors including finance, healthcare, and technology. The risk is heightened in environments where diagnostic bundles are routinely shared with external support or stored in less secure locations. However, the requirement for local access and user interaction limits the threat to insider or targeted scenarios rather than widespread remote exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2025-13743, organizations should implement strict access controls on diagnostic bundles generated by Docker Desktop, ensuring only authorized personnel can view or export these logs. It is advisable to avoid sharing diagnostic data externally unless it has been sanitized to remove sensitive tokens. Monitoring and auditing diagnostic data exports can help detect inadvertent leaks. Organizations should upgrade Docker Desktop to versions where this vulnerability is addressed once patches become available. In the interim, disabling or limiting diagnostic data collection in sensitive environments can reduce exposure. Developers and IT staff should be trained to recognize the risks of including sensitive information in logs and adopt secure logging practices, such as redacting tokens before serialization. Additionally, rotating Personal Access Tokens regularly and minimizing their permissions can reduce the impact if tokens are exposed. Implementing endpoint security controls to restrict local access and user privileges further reduces the risk of exploitation.