# CVE-2025-3224: Elevation of Privilege in Docker Desktop for Windows during Upgrade due to Insecure Directory Deletion

CVE-2025-3224 is fixed in Docker Desktop on 1 platform by Docker Desktop 4.41.0 (version 4.41.0), released April 28, 2025. It is not reported as exploited. Patch Radar priority: High.

- Web page: https://patchblox.com/security/cve/CVE-2025-3224
- Priority: High
- CVSS: 7.3
- EPSS: 0.0025
- CISA KEV: not listed
- Exploited (vendor report): no
- Publicly disclosed: no
- Published: Apr 28, 2025
- Weakness: CWE-269: Improper Privilege Management
- Vendor advisory: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-3224

## Description

A vulnerability in the update process of Docker Desktop for Windows versions prior to 4.41.0 could allow a local, low-privileged attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM. During an update, Docker Desktop attempts to delete files and subdirectories under the path C:\ProgramData\Docker\config with high privileges. However, this directory often does not exist by default, and C:\ProgramData\ allows normal users to create new directories. By creating a malicious Docker\config folder structure at this location, an attacker can force the privileged update process to delete or manipulate arbitrary system files, leading to Elevation of Privilege.

## Where it's fixed

| Platform | Product | Fixed in | Fix | Released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows apps | Docker Desktop | 4.41.0 | [Docker Desktop 4.41.0](https://patchblox.com/security/data/fix/windows-app/docker.dockerdesktop-4.41.0.md) | Apr 28, 2025 |

---

Data as of 2026-11-08T13:06:02Z UTC. Source: Patchblox Patch Radar (https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar). Patchblox finds out-of-date software on Windows, macOS and Linux and updates it through release rings: https://patchblox.com/demo

Free to use with attribution: show "Data: Patchblox Patch Radar" with a link to https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar. Terms, including what needs a written agreement: https://patchblox.com/security/patch-radar/use-the-data

Product names, logos and trademarks shown on Patch Radar belong to their respective owners. They are used only to identify the software each security fix applies to and to help readers find their platform. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, or endorsement by, those owners, and Patchblox is not affiliated with any of them.