cis-docker-5-23

name	cis-docker-5.23
description	Ensure that docker exec commands are not used with the privileged option
category	cis-docker
version	1.8.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","docker","linux","containers","runtime"]
cis_id	5.23
cis_benchmark	CIS Docker Benchmark v1.8.0
tech_stack	["linux","docker"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

5.23 Ensure that docker exec commands are not used with the privileged option (Manual)

Profile Applicability

• Level 2 - Docker - Linux

Description

You should not use docker exec with the --privileged option.

Rationale

Using the --privileged option in docker exec commands gives extended Linux capabilities to the command. This could potentially be an insecure practice, particularly when you are running containers with reduced capabilities or with enhanced restrictions.

Impact

If you need enhanced capabilities within a container, then run it with all the permissions it requires. These should be specified individually.

Audit Procedure

If you have auditing enabled as recommended in Section 1, you can use the command below to filter out docker exec commands that use the --privileged option.

ausearch -k docker | grep exec | grep privileged

Remediation

You should not use the --privileged option in docker exec commands.

Default Value

By default, the docker exec command runs without the --privileged option.

References

1. https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/exec/
2. https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/run/#runtime-privilege-and-linux-capabilities

CIS Controls

Controls Version	Control	IG 1	IG 2	IG 3
v8	5.4 Restrict Administrator Privileges to Dedicated Administrator Accounts Restrict administrator privileges to dedicated administrator accounts on enterprise assets. Conduct general computing activities, such as internet browsing, email, and productivity suite use, from the user's primary, non-privileged account.	●	●	●
v7	4 Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges