CVE-2025-9164 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-427 (Uncontrolled Search Path Element) affecting Docker Desktop Installer.exe up to version 4.48.0. The core issue stems from the installer’s DLL search order, which prioritizes the user's Downloads folder over system directories when loading required DLLs. This insecure search order allows an attacker with local access to place a malicious DLL in the Downloads folder, which the installer will load instead of the legitimate system DLL. This results in local privilege escalation, as the malicious DLL executes with elevated installer privileges. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have at least limited local privileges to place the DLL and for the user or attacker to run the installer executable. The CVSS 4.0 vector indicates a local attack vector (AV:L), high attack complexity (AC:H), partial privileges required (PR:L), and no user interaction (UI:N) once the installer is run. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, as the attacker can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. No public exploits are currently known, but the vulnerability is rated high severity (CVSS 8.8). The issue is particularly relevant for environments where Docker Desktop is installed or updated frequently, especially on Windows systems where DLL hijacking is a common attack vector. The lack of patch links suggests that a fix is pending or not yet publicly released, emphasizing the need for interim mitigations.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk of local privilege escalation on systems running Docker Desktop, which is widely used in software development, testing, and production environments. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, bypass security controls, and potentially move laterally within corporate networks. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, disruption of containerized applications, and compromise of development pipelines. Organizations with remote or hybrid workforces may face increased risk if endpoint security is lax, as attackers could exploit compromised user machines. The vulnerability also threatens the integrity of software supply chains relying on Docker Desktop, potentially impacting DevOps workflows. Given the high CVSS score and the critical role of Docker in modern IT infrastructure, the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is substantial, especially if combined with other vulnerabilities or social engineering tactics.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should implement the following specific measures: 1) Restrict write permissions to the Downloads folder and other user-writable directories to prevent unauthorized DLL placement. 2) Advise users and administrators to run Docker Desktop installers only from trusted, secure locations, avoiding execution directly from the Downloads folder. 3) Employ application whitelisting and endpoint protection solutions that can detect and block unauthorized DLL loading or suspicious installer behavior. 4) Monitor file system changes in user directories for anomalous DLL files. 5) Temporarily disable automatic updates or installations of Docker Desktop until a vendor patch is released. 6) Educate users about the risks of running installers from untrusted sources and the importance of verifying installer integrity. 7) Once available, promptly apply official patches from Docker to correct the DLL search order and eliminate the vulnerability. 8) Consider isolating development environments or using virtual machines to limit the impact of potential local exploits. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on controlling the DLL search path exploitation vector and securing user environments.