Containers have made the development of applications fast, highly and easily scalable while providing consistency across multiple environments. They are now being used widely. This widespread use has also increased security risks. This has made container security necessary. Container security protects applications that are developed through containers from misconfigurations, threats, and vulnerabilities from their development until they are run, i.e., throughout their lifecycle.
One vulnerability in a container can compromise and attack multiple containers, as all containers share the same host OS kernel. Hackers can exploit insecure configurations, exposed APIs, or weak images to gain unauthorized access. The ways for reduce these increasing security risks, organizations should adopt security practices such as runtime protection, compliance monitoring, and image scanning. The article focuses on container security and some tools that are necessary for securing containerized environments.
1. What is Container Security?
Container security is the protection of applications developed through containers from cyberattacks from their development to their run time. It involves configuration management, vulnerability scanning, access control, monitoring, and network segmentation. The basic aim of container security is to allow the full use of the benefits of application isolation, which are associated with the potential attack surface and resource sharing.
2. Image Scanning Tools
Image scanning tools scan images for the detection of misconfigurations, outdated packages and vulnerabilities before final output. Image scanning tools play the role of defense and detect any threat in the CI/CD pipeline. These tools ensure the deployment of only secure and safe images by detecting vulnerable builds and enforcing security policies.
Although there are many tools that can be used for image scanning but this article focuses on the most effective and best image scanning tools.
The following are some of the most popular image scanning tools;
| Best Image Scanning Tools | ||
| Tool | Features | Uses |
| Trivy | Fast and lightweight, very popular in CI/CD pipelines. Supports Kubernetes, Docker and Terraform. | Detects vulnerabilities in container images, IaC configs, Git repos and file systems. |
| Sysdig Secure Inline Scan | Generates SARIF reports, scanning modes can be customized, and no need to access the backend. | Detects vulnerabilities in CI/CD images. |
| Anchore | No need for credentials, uses the Grype engine for its working, and fails builds on severity thresholds. | Detects vulnerabilities in container images, local directories and SBOMs. |
| Docker Scout | Can compare image versions, update the base image, and generate SBOMs. | Compare and detect vulnerabilities in Docker images. |
| Clair | Generates SARIF reports, scans local files and registries for vulnerabilities in images, and integration with CI/CD. | Does static analysis for the detection of vulnerabilities in container images. |
| Snyk GitHub Actions | Integration with GitHub, supports multiple languages, IaC, and Docker. | Detects vulnerabilities in code and GitHub projects across many languages. |
2.1 Anchore
Anchore uses the Grype vulnerability scanner for the detection of potential vulnerabilities in containers or files. After scanning, it returns a report failing the build, which is based on configurable severity levels. Anchor enhances security in the CI/CD pipeline by scanning directories, SBOM files, and Docker images.
Anchore runs locally with fast scanning operations and does not need credentials. It can scan a wide range of language and system-based packages.
2. Trivy
Trivy is a comprehensive container security scanner. It can scan file systems, container images, configuration issues, and Git repositories. It is simple and easy to use, which is why it is very popular in CI/CD pipelines.
Trivy is very fast and easily integrates with CI/CD tools. It uses minimal resources for scanning. It scans Terraform, Docker, and Kubernetes.
3. Docker Scout
Docker Scout analyzes Docker images by running the Docker Scout CLI and providing the compounds array. It has the ability to recommend updating base images, display vulnerabilities, and generate Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs). Your Docker images become free from all vulnerabilities once you integrate this tool into your CI/CD pipeline.
Docker Scout displays comprehensive vulnerabilities in the images it scans and also provides recommendations for image updates. It also does a comparative analysis of images, for example, comparing the Docker image with the indexed image.
4. Clair
Clair is a powerful image scanning and static analysis tool that detects and scans for vulnerabilities in container images. Integrating Clair into your CI/CD pipeline, you can set automated security scanning of all of your Docker images. It generates detailed reports of vulnerability detection to keep your containerized applications secure.
Clair allows the comprehensive scanning of images from multiple sources, such as container registries and local files. For integration with GitHub code scanning, it generates reports in SARIF format. It can be customized to fit into multiple security requirements and workflows.
5. Sysdig Secure Inline Scan Action
Sysdig Secure Inline Scan Action scans for vulnerabilities in container images in your CI/CD pipeline. It posts and reports the results in Sysdig Secure. It allows multiple operating models, such as IAC scanning and VM. Just like Clair, Sysdig Secure Inline Scan Action generates the reports in SARIF format so that it is integrated with GitHub code scanning.
Sysdig Secure Inline Scan Action does a comprehensive scanning of Docker images for vulnerabilities. It allows the customization of scanning options and multiple operation modes. It does not require access to the Sysdig backend for scanning and also reports results in SARIF format for integration with GitHub code scanning.
6. Snyk GitHub Actions
Snyk allows various GitHub actions for the detection of vulnerabilities across various languages in GitHub projects. It provides accurate and precise vulnerability detection by tailoring the action to a specific language environment.
Summary
Securing containers is becoming more important with the increasing use of them in the development and deployment of applications. Outdated dependencies, known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations can play the role of entry points for hackers. This becomes easier for hackers if the containers are using the same resources and kernel.
For the detection of any such issues, you should integrate image scanning tools into your CI/CD pipeline. These tools also keep them secure and enforce compliance throughout the development lifecycle. The tools mentioned in this article are the most effective and best image scanning tools for scanning local images, monitoring configuration files, and generating SBOMs. They keep your container environments safe and secure.
You can use these tools for scanning images in any of your languages or platforms. Adopting these tools into your DevSecOps workflow can keep your containers secure, production-ready ready and resilient.
