CVE-2019-5736

CVE-2019-5736 is a high-severity vulnerability in Docker with a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.6. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 99% places it in the 100th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-78.

Key facts

Description

runc through 1.0-rc6, as used in Docker before 18.09.2 and other products, allows attackers to overwrite the host runc binary (and consequently obtain host root access) by leveraging the ability to execute a command as root within one of these types of containers: (1) a new container with an attacker-controlled image, or (2) an existing container, to which the attacker previously had write access, that can be attached with docker exec. This occurs because of file-descriptor mishandling, related to /proc/self/exe.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-5736?
runc through 1.0-rc6, as used in Docker before 18.09.2 and other products, allows attackers to overwrite the host runc binary (and consequently obtain host root access) by leveraging the ability to execute a command as root within one of these types of containers: (1) a new container with an attacker-controlled image, or (2) an existing container, to which the attacker previously had write access, that can be attached with docker exec. This occurs because of file-descriptor mishandling, related to /proc/self/exe.
How severe is CVE-2019-5736?
CVE-2019-5736 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 8.6, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2019-5736 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 99% (100th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-5736?
CVE-2019-5736 primarily affects Docker. In total, 38 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-5736?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2019-5736 published?
CVE-2019-5736 was published on 2019-02-11 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (38)

More vulnerabilities in Docker

All CVEs affecting Docker →

Other CWE-78 (OS Command Injection) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-78 (OS Command Injection) vulnerabilities →