Kubernetes container scanners check containers for security vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and compliance concerns. They are essential to the security of containerized applications and Kubernetes infrastructure.
It provides two facilities: automation and declarative configuration. It can set the web server as per web traffic and maintain the level during production.
How Does Kubernetes Container Scanner Work?
Kubernetes container scanners work by analyzing the security posture of containerized applications and Kubernetes clusters. They typically operate in the following steps:
- Environment Discovery: The scanner identifies and maps out the components in the Kubernetes environment, including nodes, pods, and containers.
- Configuration Assessment: It checks the configurations of Kubernetes objects (e.g., RBAC policies, network policies) against best practices and security benchmarks like CIS.
- Vulnerability Scanning: The scanner inspects container images for known vulnerabilities in software packages, libraries, and dependencies.
- Policy Compliance: It evaluates the environment’s adherence to security policies and compliance requirements, generating alerts for any deviations.
- Reporting and Remediation: The scanner provides reports with detected vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and risks, often including recommended steps for remediation.
Here Are Our Picks For The 10 Best Kubernetes Container Scanners In 2024 And Their Feature
- Kube Hunter: Scans Kubernetes clusters for security vulnerabilities and weaknesses in a proactive manner.
- Kube Bench: Checks Kubernetes cluster configurations against the CIS Kubernetes Benchmark for security compliance.
- Checkov: Scans Kubernetes infrastructure-as-code (IaC) for security issues, misconfigurations, and policy violations.
- Anchore: Provides deep container image scanning for vulnerabilities and policy compliance within Kubernetes environments.
- Kube Audit: Analyzes Kubernetes cluster configurations and policies for security risks and compliance violations.
- Clair: Scans container images for known vulnerabilities, integrating with Kubernetes to enhance security.
- Kubei: Performs in-cluster vulnerability scanning and management for Kubernetes pods and images.
- Kubesec: Analyzes Kubernetes resource definitions to identify security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
- Kubescan: Scans Kubernetes clusters to assess security posture and identify potential misconfigurations.
- MKIT: Analyzes Kubernetes and cloud infrastructure configurations for security best practices and compliance.
| Kubernetes Container Scanner | Features | Stand Alone Feature | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Kube Hunter | 1. Scanning 2. Attack Vectors 3. CVE Detection 4. Privilege Escalation | Identifies and exploits Kubernetes cluster vulnerabilities. | Free, open-source |
| 2. Kube Bench | 1. Benchmarking 2. CIS Compliance 3. Security Checks 4. Automated Scanning | Checks Kubernetes clusters against CIS Benchmarks. | Free, open-source |
| 3. Checkov | 1. Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Security 2. Configuration Scanning 3. Cloud Platform Support 4. Policy Checks | Infrastructure-as-Code security and policy enforcement tool. | Free, open-source |
| 4. Anchore | 1. Container Image Scanning 2. Vulnerability Detection 3. CVE Analysis 4. Configuration Assessment | Comprehensive image scanning and vulnerability analysis. | Free, open-source |
| 5. Kubeaudit | 1. Kubernetes Security Audit 2. Configuration Assessment 3. Manifest Scanning 4. Best Practices Checks | Audits Kubernetes cluster for security misconfigurations. | Free, open-source |
| 6. Clair | 1. Container Vulnerability Scanning 2. Image Analysis 3. CVE Detection 4. Risk Assessment | Static analysis for container vulnerabilities. | Free, open-source |
| 7. Kubei | 1. Kubernetes Runtime Vulnerability Scanning 2. Image Scanning 3. Risk Assessment 4. Security Audit | Scans and reports vulnerabilities in running Kubernetes clusters. | Free, open-source |
| 8. Kubesec | 1. Kubernetes Security Analysis 2. Manifest Scanning 3. Security Controls Evaluation 4. Risk Assessment | Security risk analysis for Kubernetes resources. | Free, open-source |
| 9. Kube Scan | 1. Kubernetes Security Scanning 2. Vulnerability Assessment 3. Misconfiguration Detection 4. CIS Benchmark Checks | Detects risks and threats in Kubernetes environments. | Free, open-source |
| 10. MKIT | 1. Kubernetes Security Assessment 2. Cluster Configuration Analysis 3. Vulnerability Scanning 4. Risk Identification | Audits and assesses Kubernetes security configurations. | Free, open-source |
1. Kube Hunter
Kube Hunter is an open-source security tool designed specifically for Kubernetes environments. It helps identify vulnerabilities and security issues in Kubernetes clusters by simulating attacks and probing for weaknesses in the infrastructure.
The tool conducts various tests, including network scans and service inspections, to detect potential security flaws such as misconfigurations, exposed dashboards, or unprotected APIs. Kube Hunter provides detailed reports, making it easier for administrators to understand and mitigate risks.
Widely used by DevOps and security teams, Kube Hunter is ideal for regularly auditing Kubernetes clusters to ensure they are secure and resilient against potential threats. It supports both automated and manual modes for flexibility.
Features
- Finds frequent Kubernetes cluster configuration issues that might compromise security.
- Finds API server, kubelet, and other Kubernetes security issues.
- Simulates attacks to test cluster resilience and uncover vulnerabilities.
- Checks the cluster’s compliance with corporate security best practices and CIS standards.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Vulnerability Detection | Needs to be done by hand |
| Open Source | Not enough tracking in real time |
| Active Development | |
| Easy to Use |
2. Kube Bench
Kube Bench is a Kubernetes security tool designed to assess a cluster’s compliance with the CIS (Center for Internet Security) Kubernetes Benchmark. It automates the process of checking Kubernetes deployments against these security best practices.
The tool runs a series of predefined tests to verify that a Kubernetes cluster is configured securely. It checks settings across various components like the Kubernetes API server, etcd, controller manager, and worker nodes, ensuring they adhere to industry standards.
Kube Bench is open-source and widely used by organizations to regularly audit their Kubernetes environments, providing detailed reports on areas that need improvement to enhance overall security posture.
Features
- Compare CIS Kubernetes Benchmark to Kubernetes security settings.
- checks for vulnerabilities and improper configurations against CIS Kubernetes Benchmark recommended practices.
- You may test groups running different Kubernetes versions.
- Automated scanning makes frequent security tests and cluster protection easier.
| What is Good? | What could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Security Best Practices | Few options for reporting and logging |
| Comprehensive Security Checks | No ways to send alerts |
| CIS Kubernetes Benchmark Checks | |
| Automated Scanning |
3. Checkov
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Checkov is an open-source infrastructure-as-code (IaC) scanner that detects security and compliance misconfigurations. It supports multiple IaC frameworks like Terraform, CloudFormation, and Kubernetes, helping teams identify risks early in the development cycle.
Checkov integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, providing automated checks for security best practices and policy compliance. Its extensive rule library covers various security concerns, enabling comprehensive protection across cloud environments and Kubernetes clusters.
Maintained by Bridgecrew, Checkov is widely adopted for its ease of use, robust community support, and frequent updates. This makes it a popular choice for DevSecOps teams aiming to secure their infrastructure code.
Features
- Checks Terraform, CloudFormation, and Kubernetes IaC files for security and compliance.
- It can perform comprehensive IaC scanning in AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, and Kubernetes.
- Best practises, industry standards, and security frameworks like HIPAA, CIS, and PCI-DSS inform its many guidelines.
- Users can create rules to meet their organization’s security and compliance needs.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Security | Limited Runtime Security Coverage |
| Wide Range of Built-in Policies | Limited Language Support |
| Easy Integration | |
| Extensibility and Customization |
4. Anchore
Anchore is a comprehensive container security platform that scans, analyzes, and certifies container images. It helps organizations identify vulnerabilities, enforce policies, and ensure compliance with security standards throughout the container lifecycle.
Anchore integrates seamlessly with CI/CD pipelines, automating scanning container images during the build and deployment stages. It provides detailed reports on vulnerabilities, configuration issues, and policy violations, enabling teams to address security concerns early in development.
With both open-source and enterprise versions, Anchore offers scalable solutions for organizations of all sizes. It supports various compliance frameworks and provides robust API access, making it a versatile tool for maintaining container security in Kubernetes environments.
Features
- Anchore checks container pictures for bugs and security holes.
- Works with CI/CD processes to check for security automatically while images are being built.
- It works with container registries to look at and scan pictures while they are being pushed or pulled.
- Makes reports that show policy violations and security holes.
- Takes care of the whole container picture lifecycle, including tracking and versioning.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Container Image Security | Dependency on Vulnerability Database Updates |
| Comprehensive Vulnerability Analysis | Chance of getting motion sickness |
| Policy-Based Scanning | |
| Continuous Monitoring and Alerting |
5. Kubeaudit
Kubeaudit is a security auditing tool that ensures Kubernetes clusters are configured securely. Developed by Shopify, it automates the process of auditing Kubernetes resources, focusing on security best practices and compliance.
The tool scans Kubernetes clusters for common misconfigurations and vulnerabilities, providing detailed reports on issues such as insecure container settings, improper access controls, and potential vulnerabilities. Kubeaudit helps administrators quickly identify and rectify security flaws.
Kubeaudit is open-source and integrates seamlessly into DevOps workflows. Its easy-to-use command-line interface makes it accessible for developers and security teams to maintain a secure Kubernetes environment.
Features
- looks at Kubernetes groups to find security risks and possible holes.
- Checks the settings of Kubernetes objects like pods, deployments, and services to make sure they follow security best practices and rules.
- Helps you fix security problems and make the cluster safer by giving you suggestions and instructions.
- Checks security standards and best practices, such as CIS measures, to ensure the cluster follows the rules.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Bette? |
|---|---|
| Kubernetes-specific Security Assessment | Limited Scope |
| Lightweight and Easy to Use | Limited Runtime Monitoring |
| Comprehensive Security Checks | |
| Customizable Assessments |
6. Clair
Clair is an open-source container vulnerability scanner designed to analyze container images and detect known vulnerabilities in their software packages. Developed by CoreOS, Clair integrates with container registries to automatically scan images and generate vulnerability reports.
Clair operates by pulling and analyzing image layers, checking them against a continuously updated database of vulnerabilities sourced from various security advisories. It focuses on identifying CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures) and mapping them to the software components within the container.
Clair’s API allows integration with CI/CD pipelines, enabling automated vulnerability detection as part of the development process. This helps ensure that only secure images are deployed in production environments, enhancing overall security posture.
Features
- Clair is made to have conversations that feel normal and involve both parties.
- Clair is very good at understanding what people say.
- Depending on what is being said, Clair can understand and react.
- Clair has access to a lot of data and can give you useful answers.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Container Vulnerability Scanning | Limited to Known Vulnerabilities |
| Wide Range of Supported Languages | Limited Customization |
| Integration with Container Registries | |
| Detailed Vulnerability Reports |
7. Kubei
Kubei is an open-source Kubernetes vulnerability scanner designed to detect and visualize vulnerabilities in container images. It provides real-time scanning of images within a Kubernetes cluster, helping to identify potential security risks quickly.
The tool integrates seamlessly with Kubernetes environments, scanning images directly from your cluster and offering a user-friendly interface for viewing results. Kubei prioritizes vulnerabilities based on severity, making it easier for teams to focus on the most critical issues first.
Kubei also supports automatic remediation by integrating with CI/CD pipelines. This allows for continuous security checks and reduces the time needed to address vulnerabilities. It’s ideal for enhancing container security within dynamic Kubernetes environments.
Features
- Sees pictures of containers to find risks and vulnerabilities like known holes in software.
- Sees if there are any mistakes, vulnerabilities, or ways to attack Kubernetes setups.
- It lets you always keep an eye on Kubernetes operations and container files to find and report security issues.
- Checks for flaws by connecting to well-known sources to get the most up-to-date information and find out how dangerous container pictures are.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Runtime Security Scanning | Additional Operational Overhead |
| Container Image Scanning | Resource Intensive |
| Active Monitoring and Alerts | |
| Comprehensive Security Checks |
8. Kubesec
Kubesec is a lightweight and open-source security scanner designed specifically for Kubernetes resources. It analyzes Kubernetes manifest files (YAML or JSON) to identify potential security vulnerabilities or misconfigurations that could expose clusters to risk.
The tool focuses on evaluating security best practices, such as enforcing the principle of least privilege, controlling access to secrets, and ensuring that containers run with minimal privileges. Kubesec assigns a security score to each resource based on the severity of the identified issues.
Kubesec is easy to integrate into CI/CD pipelines, making it a valuable tool for DevOps teams aiming to enforce security checks early in the development process. It helps maintain a secure and compliant Kubernetes environment.
Features
- scans Kubernetes configurations to identify security risks and potential vulnerabilities.
- assigns risk scores to configurations based on their security posture, allowing for prioritization of remediation efforts.
- evaluates configurations against best practices and security standards to ensure adherence to industry guidelines.
- provides recommendations on how to mitigate identified security risks and improve the security of Kubernetes configurations.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Kubernetes-specific Security Assessment | Limited to Configuration Assessment |
| Simple and Lightweight | Limited Customization |
| Comprehensive Security Checks | |
| Integration with CI/CD Pipelines |
9. Kube Scan
KubeScan is a Kubernetes security tool designed to identify and highlight vulnerabilities within your Kubernetes environment. It scans Kubernetes clusters to detect security issues in configurations, workloads, and cluster components, helping to improve security posture.
The tool is easy to integrate into existing CI/CD pipelines, making it a valuable asset for DevOps teams focused on maintaining secure Kubernetes deployments. KubeScan provides detailed reports that categorize and prioritize vulnerabilities, enabling swift action.
KubeScan supports continuous security monitoring, ensuring that any newly introduced vulnerabilities are quickly identified. This proactive approach helps teams maintain a secure and compliant Kubernetes environment over time.
Features
- looks through Kubernetes systems to find security holes and incorrect settings.
- checks whether Kubernetes clusters’ security settings are in line with best practices and industry norms.
- Finds known security holes in Kubernetes parts like the API server, kubelet, and more.
- checks against security standards, like CIS standards, to make sure that the cluster is following the rules.
| What is Good? | What Could Be better? |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and Easy to Use | Expertise Required |
| Comprehensive Security Scanning | Maintenance and Updates |
| Open Source | |
| Continuous Integration and Deployment (CI/CD) Integration |
10. MKIT
MKIT (Managed Kubernetes Inspection Tool) is an open-source security scanner designed to evaluate the security posture of Kubernetes clusters. It inspects configurations, network policies, and access controls, helping identify potential security vulnerabilities.
MKIT provides detailed assessments of Kubernetes components like nodes, pods, and services. It highlights misconfigurations, insecure settings, and deviations from best practices, enabling administrators to proactively address security risks and maintain compliance.
This tool is lightweight and easy to integrate, making it a practical choice for organizations aiming to enhance the security of their Kubernetes environments without adding significant overhead or complexity.
Features
- Designed to check how safe controlled Kubernetes services like Amazon EKS, Azure AKS, and Google GKE are.
- Checks managed Kubernetes systems for security holes, incorrect settings, and problems with compliance.
- looks at different Kubernetes parts, like the API server, kubelet, and others, to find possible vulnerabilities.
- checks the cluster’s access control methods, like RBAC, to make sure they’re working right and lower the risk of someone getting in without permission.
| What is Good? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Kubernetes Security Assessment | Limited to Managed Kubernetes Environments |
| Comprehensive Security Checks | Learning Curve and Expertise Required |
| Compliance Auditing | |
| Customizable Assessments |