Docker Security Checklist: Are You Production Ready?
Tags: docker, devsecops, devops
Published: 2024-06-25 19:53:22

---
description: "Secure Docker images for production with this essential guide. Learn how to scan for vulnerabilities, use multi-stage builds, avoid embedded secrets, and ensure smooth container deployments"
author: "Chandra Shettigar"
---

You've built a great application using Docker, but are you really ready to push it to production? Before you hit that button, let's make sure your Docker image is secure and reliable.

## No Dev Tools in Production

The Docker image you use for testing and development is probably packed with tools and dependencies you don't need in production. This makes it larger and potentially more vulnerable.  Keep your production images lean and mean!

## Use a Multi-Stage Build

Think of [multi-stage](https://www.devteds.com/multi-stage-docker-build-tutorial/) builds like a factory assembly line. You build your application in one stage, then create a separate, minimal image in another stage. This final image only contains what's essential for running your app in production, reducing its attack surface.

If you'd like to learn more about multi-stage builds and see a step-by-step example, check out this tutorial: [Multi-Stage Docker Build](https://youtu.be/EkOCLmvwEhc?si=InFp4bXnNLFn9r49)

##  Scan Your Image for Vulnerabilities

Before pushing your image to a registry or deploying it to production, always scan it for vulnerabilities. Think of this as a security checkpoint for your code. 

Tools like [Docker Scout](https://docs.docker.com/scout/) can help you identify potential weaknesses in your image and provide recommendations for fixing them. This is a crucial step in ensuring the security of your application before it's exposed to the wider world.

## Integrate Security Into Your CI/CD

Integrate image scanning into your Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipeline. This ensures every image you build for deployment gets a thorough security check before it goes anywhere near production.

## Enable Registry Scanning

Many container registries, like AWS Elastic Container Registry (ECR), can automatically scan images when they're pushed. This adds another layer of defense, catching any vulnerabilities that might have slipped through earlier checks.

## No Sensitive Data in the Image

Never, ever store sensitive data (passwords, API keys, certificates) directly in your Docker image. Treat your images like postcards: anyone can read them! Use environment variables, secrets management tools, or volume mounts to inject sensitive data at runtime.

## Avoid Docker Drift: One Image, All Deployment Environments

Use the same Docker image across all your application environments (testing, staging, production). This reduces the chances of unexpected surprises when you promote your application.

**Pro Tip:** If you're using multiple Dockerfiles or building environment-specific Docker images, you're probably doing it wrong. This approach often leads to baking configuration details or secrets into your images, which is a major security risk. Keep it simple and use a single image for all environments!

## Know Your Base Image

Be picky about your base image. It's the foundation of your Docker image, so choose one that is well-maintained and has a good security track record. Consider using security-hardened images for extra protection.

There are three main ways security vulnerabilities sneak into your container images:

- **Inherited Vulnerabilities:** These come from the base image itself. Using a clean, well-maintained base image is crucial to avoid spending time fixing OS-level issues.
- **Tool Vulnerabilities:** The tools you install for your application can also introduce vulnerabilities. Keep these to a minimum and make sure they're up-to-date.
- **Application Vulnerabilities:** Your own application code can be a source of vulnerabilities. Thorough testing and code review are essential.

## Create a Scan Review Process

Don't just scan your images, review the reports! Establish a process to assess vulnerabilities and decide how to handle them. You might fail the build pipeline if new vulnerabilities are found, or you might fix them later. The choice depends on your team's workflow and the level of risk you're willing to accept.

## Security Scanning at Runtime

Scanning your images before deployment is important, but don't forget about runtime security. Monitoring your containers in production and having a plan to address any vulnerabilities that emerge is critical. The specific tools you use will depend on your container infrastructure.

## Conclusion

Taking a little extra time to ensure your Docker image is secure can save you a lot of headaches down the road. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to running a secure and reliable application in production.