3 ways to perform static analysis on Terraform code
Tags: terraform, security, cloud
Published: 2023-01-19 13:12:14

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There are several tools and methods that can be used to perform static analysis on Terraform code and detect potential vulnerabilities. Some key considerations when choosing the right tools and methods include:

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**1. Type of analysis:** There are different types of static analysis that can be performed on Terraform code, including syntax checking, code formatting, and security scanning. It's important to choose tools and methods that are appropriate for the type of analysis you want to perform.
**2. Compatibility with Terraform:** Not all static analysis tools and methods are compatible with Terraform. It's significant to decide tools and methods that are specifically designed for use with Terraform, or that have been tested and proven to work with Terraform.
**3. Integration with the development process:** It's often most effective to integrate static analysis into the development process, rather than trying to perform it as a separate step. Choose tools and methods that can be easily integrated into your existing workflows, such as by using a plugin or extension for your code editor or continuous integration tool.
**4. Accuracy and reliability:** It's important to choose tools and methods that are accurate and reliable, and that produce results that are actionable and easy to understand.
**5. Cost and resource requirements:** Consider the cost and resource requirements of different tools and methods, including any licensing fees, hardware or software requirements, and maintenance costs.


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I personally use these: 

1. **Code review:** Manually reviewing your Terraform code as part of a code review process can also help identify issues and improve the quality of your code. Using pull requests with GitLab, GitHub, Azure DevOps, and Bitbucket, allows you to get feedback on your code changes from multiple reviewers and helps ensure that your code is of high quality before it is merged into the repository.
2. **Terraform commands:** Terraform *`validate`* and Terraform *`Plan`* can be used to check the syntax and overall structure of your Terraform configuration. They can help you identify issues such as missing required fields, invalid values, and syntax errors, and can be used to ensure that your configuration is correct and well-formed.
3. **Code scanners:** Terrascan and/or Tfsec can be used to analyze your Terraform code for security vulnerabilities and best practices violations. It uses a combination of rule sets and custom checks to identify potential issues with your code and provides detailed feedback to help you fix any issues that are found.

Using a combination of these tools and techniques can help you catch a wide range of issues and improve the overall quality of your Terraform code. It's a good idea to use these tools regularly as you develop and maintain your infrastructure, before applying any changes to production environments.

And you? How do you do it? Share your thoughts in the comment.

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