CVE-2026-6406: The Docker CLI --use-api-socket flag bypasses Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) restrictions in Docker Deskto

Routine

HIGH 8.8WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2026-6406 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 8.8) affecting docker desktop. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

The Docker CLI --use-api-socket flag bypasses Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) restrictions in Docker Desktop. When ECI is enabled, Docker socket mounts from containers are denied unless explicitly allowed via the admin-settings configuration. However, the --use-api-socket flag adds the Docker socket mount via the HostConfig.Mounts field rather than the HostConfig.Binds field. The ECI enforcement in the Docker Desktop API proxy only inspected B

Why this priority

High severity
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	8.8 (High)
Attack vector	Local
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	Low
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	0.2% (top 89%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-863
Published	2026-05-22
Last modified	2026-07-23

Publisher (CNA): Docker Inc. · Vendor: docker

Last updated 2026-07-23 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2026-05-22 19:17 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-07-23 16:10 UTCUpdated Record last modified

docker docker desktop UPGRADE

Affected: >= 4.41.0 and < 4.59.0

Fixed in: 4.59.0

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 4.41.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy docker-desktop || rpm -q docker-desktop || docker-desktop --version

2. UPGRADE to 4.59.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade docker-desktop

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade docker-desktop

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 4.41.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison docker-desktop sudo apt install docker-desktop=<VERSION_BEFORE_4.41.0> sudo apt-mark hold docker-desktop

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list docker-desktop sudo dnf downgrade docker-desktop-<VERSION_BEFORE_4.41.0> sudo dnf versionlock add docker-desktop

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2026-6406?

docker desktop: upgrade to 4.59.0. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2026-6406 being exploited?

CVE-2026-6406 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2026-6406 affect?

CVE-2026-6406 affects docker desktop. Severity is high (CVSS 8.8). The Docker CLI --use-api-socket flag bypasses Enhanced Container Isolation (ECI) restrictions in Docker Desktop. When ECI is enabled, Docker socket mounts from containers are denied unless explicitly allowed via the admin-settings configura

How urgent is CVE-2026-6406?

Priority 39/100. High severity; On your watchlist

Software pages

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References

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