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Writer's pictureKevin Kuusela

Securing Your Build Pipeline of Docker Images

Updated: Sep 17


Secure Docker Build Pipeline with best practices and automated vulnerability scans.

In the ever-changing cyberspace and with technology stacks becoming increasingly complex, it is of paramount importance to secure your build pipeline for Docker images. A robust and secure process for creating your Docker containers constitutes a central part of ensuring the security of your applications as they enter the production environment. In this article, we will explore the best practices and key security measures to fortify your Docker build pipeline.


Mitigate Vulnerabilities in Your Docker Build Pipeline


Utilize Official Base Images

A fundamental step in securing your Docker build pipeline is to use official base images from a reputable organization. By using official images, you minimize the risk of including vulnerabilities in your own Docker images.


Code example (Dockerfile):








Automate Secret and Vulnerability Scans

Integrating secret and vulnerability scans as part of your build process is one of the most effective ways to detect and address potential leaks and threats. Tools like Trivy can be integrated directly into your pipeline to automate scans of your Docker images and report any vulnerabilities.


Code example (Gitlab CI/CD):

Fortify Your Build System

To ensure a secure and reliable build environment, it's crucial to restrict access to your build environment. Only authorized users and systems should have the authority to initiate and manage the build process. By doing so, you minimize the risk of unauthorized access and potential manipulation of your build flow.


Control Access to Your Build Environment

Limit access to your build environment. Only authorized users and systems should have the privilege to initiate and manage the build process. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and manipulation of your build flow. A recommended tool for ensuring permissions is Chain-Bench from AquaSecurity.


Implement Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) Pipelines

By using CI/CD pipelines, you can automate your entire development and deployment process. This reduces the risk of human error and ensures that each update goes through a standardized testing and deployment process.


Code example (GitLab CI/CD with dind):

If you're using Runners in Kubernetes, we recommend Google's Kaniko for building Docker images and then their Crane for pushing (uploading) images to your registry. It also works seamlessly with private registries outside of Gitlab.


Securing your Docker build pipeline is crucial to ensure your applications are safe and reliable in production. By following these best practices and implementing the suggested security measures, you can minimize vulnerabilities. Remember, security should always be a central part of your operation, and a secure Docker build pipeline is a significant step in the right direction.


Here's a complete example of how a build pipeline can look with various types of scans.

 

Need help securing your Docker build pipeline?

Our experienced consultants have extensive expertise in Docker environments. With tailored measures and expertise in the field, we can assist you if needed. Get in touch with us, and let's discuss further!



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