Image vulnerability scanning is the process of identifying security weaknesses or flaws in software images, particularly container images. These images are used to deploy applications in environments like containers (e.g., Docker) and orchestration platforms (e.g., Kubernetes). The scanning checks for known vulnerabilities in the software components, libraries, and dependencies included within the image, such as outdated packages, misconfigurations, or exposure to common security risks.
The goal is to ensure that the image is secure before it is deployed to production, reducing the risk of cyberattacks or exploits. Vulnerabilities could include issues like unpatched software, insecure configurations, or the use of deprecated libraries.
For example, if a Docker image includes an outdated version of OpenSSL with a known security flaw, an image vulnerability scanner would detect this issue. Without remediation, deploying this image could expose the application to attacks that exploit the OpenSSL vulnerability.
In the context of cloud and containerized environments, Tencent Cloud offers container security services that include image vulnerability scanning. These services help users automatically scan container images for vulnerabilities, provide risk ratings, and suggest remediation steps to ensure secure deployments. By integrating such security measures, organizations can proactively address potential threats in their containerized applications.