Docker Compose Config Exposure Scanner

Docker Compose is a tool used by developers and system administrators for defining and running multi-container Docker applications. It allows users to execute various operations including deploying, combining, and configuring multiple containers simultaneously. Widely used in both development and production environments, Docker Compose simplifies the process of managing containerized applications. This software is commonly employed in continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) workflows to streamline application updates. It is often preferred for its ability to provide isolated environments and to facilitate scalable application management across infrastructures. Organizations of various sizes utilize Docker Compose to optimize resource usage and increase operational efficiency in application deployment.

Config Exposure vulnerabilities in Docker Compose occur when configuration files are improperly secured, leading to unauthorized access. This type of exposure can arise from publicly exposed Docker Compose files that contain sensitive configuration details, such as container configuration and network settings. The vulnerability can affect the confidentiality aspect of security by allowing unauthorized parties to obtain configuration details. If exploited, it could potentially lead to security misconfigurations that enable further attacks. Config Exposure undermines the security posture of the application landscape by making critical configuration accessible to malicious actors. Identifying such vulnerabilities is crucial to safeguarding against unauthorized access and potential misuse.

This vulnerability in Docker Compose is attributed to publicly accessible configuration files that can contain critical information about deployed services. Vulnerable endpoints often include paths like '/docker-compose.yml' or '/docker-compose.prod.yml' where these configuration files might be hosted. The pregeneration of these files with the 'services:' keyword makes them susceptible to discovery via standardized paths used in deployments. Malicious users can exploit such exposures if the files are not adequately protected by permissions and access control policies. Unsecured Docker Compose files can expose production configurations and even credentials if embedded within the file. Therefore, ensuring these files are locked down and not exposed to the internet without adequate security measures is essential.

Exploiting Docker Compose Config Exposure could result in the unauthorized retrieval of configuration files, which may include sensitive data such as environment variables, network details, and even embedded secrets. Malicious actors can use this information to map out the structure and dependencies of containerized applications within a network. This exposure can lead to compromised application isolation, allowing attackers to target specific containers and exploit any identified vulnerabilities within those services. It might also facilitate lateral movements within the network if attackers are able to glean network structure and security postures from the exposed configuration. Ultimately, the exploitation could lead to wide-scale breaches impacting data confidentiality and service availability across an organization.

REFERENCES

• https://docs.docker.com/compose/