CVE-2024-21626

HIGH EXPLOITED

runc (docker) File Descriptor Leak Privilege Escalation

Title source: metasploit
STIX 2.1

Exploitation Summary

CVE-2024-21626 has been observed exploited in the wild (reported by VulnCheck KEV). EIP tracks 21 public exploits from researchers including NitroCao, Wall1e, V0WKeep3r, including a Metasploit module exploits/linux/local/runc_cwd_priv_esc.

AI-analyzed exploit summary This repository provides functional exploit code for CVE-2024-21626, a container escape vulnerability in runc. It includes multiple methods to exploit the vulnerability via Docker containers and runc directly, along with detection techniques using Falco and Snyk's leaky-vessels-dynamic-detector.

Description

runc is a CLI tool for spawning and running containers on Linux according to the OCI specification. In runc 1.1.11 and earlier, due to an internal file descriptor leak, an attacker could cause a newly-spawned container process (from runc exec) to have a working directory in the host filesystem namespace, allowing for a container escape by giving access to the host filesystem ("attack 2"). The same attack could be used by a malicious image to allow a container process to gain access to the host filesystem through runc run ("attack 1"). Variants of attacks 1 and 2 could be also be used to overwrite semi-arbitrary host binaries, allowing for complete container escapes ("attack 3a" and "attack 3b"). runc 1.1.12 includes patches for this issue.

Exploits (21)

nomisec WORKING POC 76 stars
by NitroCao · local
https://github.com/NitroCao/CVE-2024-21626

This repository provides functional exploit code for CVE-2024-21626, a container escape vulnerability in runc. It includes multiple methods to exploit the vulnerability via Docker containers and runc directly, along with detection techniques using Falco and Snyk's leaky-vessels-dynamic-detector.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc (versions prior to the fix)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Docker or runc installed · Ability to run containers or execute runc commands
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 14 stars
by Wall1e · local
https://github.com/Wall1e/CVE-2024-21626-POC

This repository contains a functional proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2024-21626, a container escape vulnerability in runc. The exploit leverages the `openat2` syscall to manipulate file descriptors and achieve a reverse shell, demonstrating container breakout.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc (Open Container Initiative runtime)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Kernel with openat2 support (>= 5.6) · Ability to create and run Docker containers with custom commands and images
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 6 stars
by V0WKeep3r · local
https://github.com/V0WKeep3r/CVE-2024-21626-runcPOC

This repository contains a functional proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2024-21626, a container escape vulnerability in runc. The exploit leverages an open file descriptor leak to overwrite host system files (e.g., crontab or binary files) and achieve command execution on the host.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc versions v1.0.0-rc93 to 1.1.11
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Control over a container's working directory · Ability to execute commands within the container
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 5 stars
by cdxiaodong · local
https://github.com/cdxiaodong/CVE-2024-21626

This repository provides a functional exploit for CVE-2024-21626, leveraging leaked file descriptors in runc to escape container isolation and access host files. The PoC uses Docker containers with manipulated working directories to exploit the vulnerability.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc (>=v1.0.0-rc93, <=1.1.11)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Docker environment with vulnerable runc version · Ability to run containers with custom working directories
MITRE ATT&CK
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WRITEUP 4 stars
by zhangguanzhang · local
https://github.com/zhangguanzhang/CVE-2024-21626

This repository provides a detailed technical writeup on exploiting CVE-2024-21626, a vulnerability in runc that allows container escape via directory traversal and file descriptor manipulation. It includes steps to reproduce the issue, kernel version checks, and verification of the exploit's impact.

Classification
Writeup 90%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc (v1.0.0-rc93 to 1.1.11)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Kernel with openat2 syscall support · Access to a vulnerable runc version · Ability to execute Docker commands
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 3 stars
by laysakura · local
https://github.com/laysakura/CVE-2024-21626-demo

This repository demonstrates CVE-2024-21626, a vulnerability in runc (container runtime) that allows container escape to host root via path traversal in `/proc/self/fd/8`. The PoC injects an SSH key into the host's `/root/.ssh/authorized_keys` by exploiting the vulnerability during container build/run.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc (versions <= 1.1.10, Docker <= 20.10.25)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Vulnerable runc/Docker version · Ability to build/run a malicious container image
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 2 stars
by KubernetesBachelor · local
https://github.com/KubernetesBachelor/CVE-2024-21626

This repository provides a functional exploit for CVE-2024-21626, a vulnerability in runc (versions 1.1.0 to 1.1.11) that allows container escape to achieve root privileges on the host machine. The exploit involves manipulating file descriptors in Docker containers to overwrite host binaries and establish a reverse shell.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc (1.1.0 <= version <= 1.1.11)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Docker installed on Ubuntu 20.04 · Vulnerable runc version (1.1.0 to 1.1.11) · Network connectivity for reverse shell
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 2 stars
by Sk3pper · local
https://github.com/Sk3pper/CVE-2024-21626

This repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2024-21626, leveraging Docker's improper handling of `/proc/self/fd/` paths to achieve container escape and host filesystem access. The PoC includes multiple attack vectors (e.g., `docker run` with malicious working directory, `docker exec` with symlink manipulation) and demonstrates file read/write capabilities on the host.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Docker (versions <= 24.0.6) and runC with vulnerable kernel (openat2 syscall present)
Auth required
Prerequisites: Docker installed with vulnerable versions · Host kernel with openat2 syscall · Privileged access to run Docker commands
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 2 stars
by dorser · poc
https://github.com/dorser/cve-2024-21626

This repository contains a functional PoC for CVE-2024-21626, a vulnerability in runc (<=1.1.11) where a leaked file descriptor allows container escape. It includes a Go-based vulnerable app and an eBPF gadget to detect exploitation via symlinkat syscalls.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc <=1.1.11
No auth needed
Prerequisites: runc version <=1.1.11 · ability to run containers · eBPF support for gadget
MITRE ATT&CK
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WRITEUP 1 stars
by Strikoder-Premium · poc
https://github.com/Strikoder-Premium/cve-2024-21626-runc-1.1.11-escape

This repository provides a detailed technical analysis of CVE-2024-21626, a container escape vulnerability in runc due to a file descriptor leak. It includes root cause analysis, exploitation methods, and mitigation strategies.

Classification
Writeup 100%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc ≤ 1.1.11
Auth required
Prerequisites: Access to a vulnerable runc binary · Ability to modify OCI bundle configurations
devstral-2 · analyzed Jun 12, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WRITEUP 1 stars
by STK-Security · local
https://github.com/STK-Security/cve-2024-21626-runc-1.1.11-escape

This repository provides a detailed technical analysis of CVE-2024-21626, a container escape vulnerability in runc ≤ 1.1.11 due to a file descriptor leak. It includes root cause analysis, exploitation methods, and mitigation strategies.

Classification
Writeup 100%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc ≤ 1.1.11
Auth required
Prerequisites: Access to a vulnerable runc binary · Ability to modify OCI config.json · Host binaries or a minimal Alpine filesystem
devstral-2 · analyzed May 31, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 1 stars
by FlojBoj · poc
https://github.com/FlojBoj/CVE-2024-21626

This repository provides functional exploit code for CVE-2024-21626, a container breakout vulnerability in runC, containerd, and Docker. The exploit leverages improper handling of working directory paths in `/proc/self/fd/` to escape container isolation and access host filesystem.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runC (>= 1.0.0-rc93 and <= 1.1.11), containerd (>= 1.4.7 and <= 1.6.27, >= 1.7.0 and <= 1.7.12), Docker (fixed in 25.0.2)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Docker/containerd environment with vulnerable versions · Ability to run containers with custom working directories
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC 1 stars
by zpxlz · local
https://github.com/zpxlz/CVE-2024-21626-POC

This repository contains a functional exploit PoC for CVE-2024-21626, leveraging a container escape vulnerability in runc to achieve remote code execution (RCE) via a reverse shell. The exploit uses a Docker container to manipulate file descriptors and execute arbitrary commands on the host system.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Rce
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc (container runtime)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: ability to create Docker containers with custom commands · ability to specify container images
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WRITEUP
by strikoder · poc
https://github.com/strikoder/cve-2024-21626-runc-1.1.11-escape

This repository provides a detailed technical analysis of CVE-2024-21626, a container escape vulnerability in runc due to a file descriptor leak. It includes root cause analysis, exploitation methods, and mitigation strategies.

Classification
Writeup 100%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc ≤ 1.1.11
Auth required
Prerequisites: Access to a vulnerable runc binary · Ability to modify OCI bundle configurations
devstral-2 · analyzed Mar 01, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by scherepiuk · local
https://github.com/scherepiuk/container-escape-ebpf

This repository contains a working proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2025-31133, a container escape vulnerability in runc. The exploit leverages eBPF to manipulate the core_pattern handler, achieving privilege escalation from within a container to the host system.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Complex
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc (versions 1.2.7 and below, 1.3.0-rc.1 through 1.3.2, 1.4.0-rc.1 and 1.4.0-rc.2)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Unprivileged user access to create containers with runc · Vulnerable version of runc installed on the host
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by R4mbb · local
https://github.com/R4mbb/CVE-2024-21626-PoC

This repository contains a functional PoC for CVE-2024-21626, a container escape vulnerability in runc ≤1.1.11 due to improper handling of file descriptors in cgroup setup. The exploit leverages an open file descriptor to manipulate the working directory of a container, allowing access to the host filesystem.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc ≤1.1.11
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Docker or runc installed · vulnerable runc version (≤1.1.11) · ability to execute runc commands
MITRE ATT&CK
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec STUB
by adaammmeeee · local
https://github.com/adaammmeeee/little-joke

The repository contains two bash scripts that do not demonstrate any exploit for CVE-2024-21626. Instead, they display humorous messages and modify the terminal prompt, serving as a placeholder or joke rather than a functional PoC.

Classification
Stub 90%
Attack Type
Other
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Theoretical
Target: runc (unspecified version)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: None
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by Sk3pper · local
https://github.com/Sk3pper/CVE-2024-21626-old-docker-versions

This repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2024-21626, demonstrating a container escape vulnerability in older Docker versions due to file descriptor (fd) leakage. The provided script `checkVulnerability.sh` iterates through potential file descriptors to identify and exploit the vulnerability, allowing access to the host filesystem.

Classification
Working Poc 95%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Docker (versions 17.03.1-ce to 17.09.1-ce with docker-runc)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Older Docker versions with vulnerable docker-runc components · Access to execute Docker commands
MITRE ATT&CK
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by abian2 · poc
https://github.com/abian2/CVE-2024-21626

This Dockerfile exploits CVE-2024-21626 by leveraging a container escape vulnerability to read the host's /etc/passwd file. The exploit uses a path traversal technique via /proc/self/fd/8 to access the host filesystem.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Trivial
Reliability
Reliable
Target: Docker (specific version affected by CVE-2024-21626)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Docker environment with vulnerable configuration · Ability to run containers with specific privileges
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 18, 2026 Full analysis →
nomisec WORKING POC
by skysbsb · poc
https://github.com/skysbsb/CVE-2024-21626-POC

This repository contains a functional exploit for CVE-2024-21626, leveraging a container escape vulnerability in runc. The PoC uses a Docker container to overwrite /bin/bash with a malicious script that establishes a reverse shell.

Classification
Working Poc 90%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc (container runtime)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: ability to create Docker containers · ability to specify container images and commands
devstral-2 · analyzed Mar 06, 2026 Full analysis →
metasploit WORKING POC EXCELLENT
by h00die, SickMcNugget, jheysel-r7, Rory McNamara · rubypoc
https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/blob/master/modules/exploits/linux/local/runc_cwd_priv_esc.rb

This Metasploit module exploits CVE-2024-21626, a file descriptor leak in runc (used by Docker and Kubernetes) to achieve privilege escalation by mounting the host filesystem with root permissions. It includes checks for vulnerable versions and automates the exploitation process.

Classification
Working Poc 100%
Attack Type
Lpe
Complexity
Moderate
Reliability
Reliable
Target: runc <=1.1.11 (Docker, Kubernetes)
No auth needed
Prerequisites: Docker and runc installed · Access to a writable directory · File descriptor leak (typically 7, 8, or 9)
devstral-2 · analyzed Feb 16, 2026 Full analysis →

Scores

CVSS v3 8.6
EPSS 0.0459
EPSS Percentile 89.5%
Attack Vector LOCAL
CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

CISA SSVC

Vulnrichment
Exploitation poc
Automatable no
Technical Impact total

Details

VulnCheck KEV 2024-05-07
CWE
CWE-403 CWE-668
Status published
Products (3)
fedoraproject/fedora 39
linuxfoundation/runc < 1.1.12
opencontainers/runc 1.0.0-rc93 - 1.1.12Go
Published Jan 31, 2024
Tracked Since Feb 18, 2026