Container Security
Docker image scanning, runtime protection, and container registry hardening.
Container Security
Containers have transformed application deployment — but containerisation does not equal isolation. A bloated base image with known CVEs, a Dockerfile that runs as root, or a misconfigured container registry can expose your entire workload to compromise. Intelliroot's Container Security service covers the full container lifecycle: from image build security and registry hardening through to runtime protection and container escape testing.
Our assessment is aligned to the CIS Docker Benchmark and combines automated image scanning with manual testing for container escape vulnerabilities, privilege escalation paths, and supply chain risks in the image build process. We also review your runtime security controls — including Falco rules, seccomp/AppArmor profiles, and read-only filesystem enforcement — to ensure threats are detected and contained if a container is compromised.
Why Container Security Is Critical
Images Are Full of Unpatched CVEs
The average production Docker image contains dozens of unpatched vulnerabilities. Images are often built once and never updated — accumulating critical CVEs as base OS packages age.
Root Containers Break Isolation
Containers running as root with excessive Linux capabilities or mounted host paths can escape to the underlying node with trivial techniques — negating the entire isolation model.
Supply Chain Risks in Base Images
Pulling base images from public registries without verification introduces supply chain risks. Typosquatted images, compromised upstream packages, and unverified layers all represent real attack surfaces.
Runtime Threats Go Undetected
Without runtime security controls, attackers can establish persistence, exfiltrate data, or pivot laterally from a compromised container — often for weeks before detection.
What We Assess
Image Security & Dockerfile Review
- Base image vulnerability scanning (Trivy, Grype, Snyk)
- Dockerfile best practice review (multi-stage builds, USER directives)
- Secrets and sensitive data baked into images
- Image layer analysis for attack surface reduction
- CIS Docker Benchmark alignment
Runtime Security Controls
- Rootless container and user namespace configuration
- Linux capabilities and seccomp profile review
- AppArmor / SELinux profile assessment
- Read-only filesystem and volume mount controls
- Falco rule set review and runtime threat detection
Registry & Supply Chain Hardening
- Container registry access control and authentication
- Image signing and verification (Cosign, Notary)
- Pull policy enforcement and immutable tags
- Private registry configuration vs. public hub reliance
- Admission policy for unsigned or vulnerable images
Container Escape & Network Testing
- Manual container escape testing (privileged mode, socket mounts)
- Host namespace sharing assessment (PID, net, IPC)
- Inter-container network segmentation review
- Pod Security Admission policy review (K8s environments)
- Docker daemon socket exposure assessment
Our Assessment Approach
Scoping & Image Inventory
Enumerate all container images in use across environments, identify base images and registries, and agree on scope — covering build, registry, runtime, and orchestration layers as applicable.
Automated Image Scanning
Run comprehensive vulnerability scans across all in-scope images using Trivy and Grype. Cross-reference findings against NVD, OSV, and vendor advisories. Identify secrets baked into image layers using automated secret detection tooling.
Dockerfile & Build Configuration Review
Manually review Dockerfiles and build configurations against CIS Docker Benchmark and Intelliroot's hardening baseline. Identify anti-patterns including overprivileged builds, unnecessary packages, and missing multi-stage optimisations.
Runtime & Escape Testing
Assess runtime security controls and manually test for container escape paths in agreed test environments. Evaluate Falco or equivalent runtime protection rules for coverage gaps against common attack techniques.
Risk-Rated Reporting & Hardening Guidance
Deliver a risk-rated findings report with CVSS scores, proof-of-concept evidence for escape findings, and a prioritised hardening checklist aligned to CIS Docker Benchmark controls. Include a CIS Benchmark compliance scorecard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deliverables
Executive Summary Report
Risk-posture overview of your container estate with critical findings and a strategic hardening roadmap suitable for CISO and board review.
Technical Findings Report
Full technical detail for each finding — image CVEs, Dockerfile anti-patterns, escape vulnerabilities, and registry misconfigurations — with CVSS scores and remediation guidance.
CIS Docker Benchmark Scorecard
Compliance scorecard mapping your current configuration against all CIS Docker Benchmark controls, with pass/fail status and remediation recommendations for each control.
Image Vulnerability Register
Prioritised register of all CVEs identified across scanned images, with severity ratings, affected packages, fix versions, and recommended base image alternatives.
Hardening Checklist & Roadmap
Actionable 30/60/90-day hardening plan covering image hygiene, Dockerfile remediation, registry controls, and runtime protection implementation.
Retest & Closure Certificate
Complimentary retest of critical escape and misconfiguration findings with a signed closure certificate for compliance and audit records.
Request a Security Assessment
Tell us about your environment and security objectives. We'll design a bespoke assessment and deliver a detailed proposal within 48 hours.