How severe is CVE-2021-3162?

CVE-2021-3162 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2021-3162 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (7th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2021-3162?

CVE-2021-3162 affects Docker. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.

How do I fix CVE-2021-3162?

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-2021-3162 published?

CVE-2021-3162 was published on 2021-01-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2021-3162

CVE-2021-3162 is a high-severity vulnerability in Docker with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-295.

Key facts

Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.8)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (7th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-295
Affected product: Docker
Published: 2021-01-15
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Docker Desktop Community before 2.5.0.0 on macOS mishandles certificate checking, leading to local privilege escalation.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2021-3162?: Docker Desktop Community before 2.5.0.0 on macOS mishandles certificate checking, leading to local privilege escalation.
How severe is CVE-2021-3162?: CVE-2021-3162 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.8, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2021-3162 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (7th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2021-3162?: CVE-2021-3162 affects Docker. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
How do I fix CVE-2021-3162?: 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-2021-3162 published?: CVE-2021-3162 was published on 2021-01-15 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (1)

cpe:2.3:a:docker:docker:*:*:*:*:community:*:*:*

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