# Cis Docker V170 5.23

> Ensure that docker exec commands are not used with the privileged option

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-docker-v170-5-23` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-docker-v170-5-23`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-docker-v170-5-23/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector CAUTION)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: DevOps & Infra
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-docker-v170-5-23

---


# CIS Docker Benchmark v1.7.0 - Control 5.23

## Profile Applicability

- **Level:** 2
- **Type:** Manual
- **Platform:** Docker - Linux

## Description

You should not use `docker exec` with the `--privileged` option.

## Rationale

Using the `--privileged` option in `docker exec` commands gives extended Linux capabilities to the command. This could potentially be an insecure practice, particularly when you are running containers with reduced capabilities or with enhanced restrictions.

## Impact

If you need enhanced capabilities within a container, then run it with all the permissions it requires. These should be specified individually.

## Audit Procedure

If you have auditing enabled as recommended in Section 1, you can use the command below to filter out `docker exec` commands that use the `--privileged` option.

```bash
ausearch -k docker | grep exec | grep privileged
```

## Remediation

You should not use the `--privileged` option in `docker exec` commands.

## Default Value

By default, the `docker exec` command runs without the `--privileged` option.

## References

1. https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/commandline/exec/
2. https://docs.docker.com/engine/reference/run/#runtime-privilege-and-linux-capabilities

## CIS Controls

**v8:**

- **5.4 Restrict Administrator Privileges to Dedicated Administrator Accounts**
  - Restrict administrator privileges to dedicated administrator accounts on enterprise assets. Conduct general computing activities, such as internet browsing, email, and productivity suite use, from the user's primary, non-privileged account.

**v7:**

- **4 Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges**
  - Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges