Container Vulnerability Management: Securing in 2025

Containers have revolutionized ways in which organizations develop and deploy applications—fast, reliable, and lean with minimal dependencies for microservices. However, 87% of container images contain high or critical security vulnerabilities, which pose significant threats in case they are not addressed. Due to sharing and reusing open-source images, such flaws are magnified and vulnerabilities are easily missed. This is why there is a need for sound container vulnerability management to detect, remediate, and address vulnerabilities before they reach the production stage.

In this article, we shall discuss:

• A clear definition of container-focused vulnerability processes.
• The importance and relevance of container risk detection in modern DevOps.
• How container scanning works, including best practices and common pitfalls.
• SentinelOne’s approach to safeguarding containers from build time to runtime.

What is Container Vulnerability Management?

Container vulnerability management can be defined as the process of identifying, analyzing, and remediating security weaknesses in container environments. It monitors changes in the base container images, the application code and dependencies, and the runtime configuration that attackers may leverage. Through continuous image scanning, CVE identification, and patching or reconfiguring, teams keep their containers more secure. This does not only apply to single images but also to entire container orchestration systems, such as Docker or Kubernetes, where many containers are running at the same time. It is part of a more comprehensive approach to guarantee that short-lived loads are as well protected as steady servers. Without a container vulnerability management process, hidden flaws may slip by, only surfacing once a breach or compromise occurs.

Why is Container Vulnerability Management Important?

In the case of container-driven DevOps, images are created, destroyed, and replicated within a short span of time. According to research, 59% of containers do not have constraints on CPU utilization, and 69% of the allocated CPU capacity remains idle, which indicates variability and dynamic nature. This could bring about complexity and make it easy to miss an older library or incorrect configuration setting. In the following section, we present five reasons why container vulnerability management has not lost its relevance to make sure these short-lived applications do not turn into security threats.

1. Constantly Evolving Images: Base images can contain older package versions or newly discovered CVEs, which can be taken from public repositories. Through scanning and updating, they eliminate known weaknesses that the organization may be harboring. Not performing regular checks means that vulnerabilities are introduced each time that dev teams reconstitute or redeploy the images. Container vulnerability scanning routines align DevOps speed with security demands.
2. Quick Attack Windows: Containers are horizontally scalable, can spin up multiple instances under heavy traffic, and can communicate with APIs across networks. One unpatched library potentially opens the door to broader microservices for attackers. An exploit could easily persist in one of the many temporary containers used to run the application since they are short-lived. Container security vulnerability management ensures that each environment, even if short-lived, is monitored thoroughly.
3. DevOps Culture of Rapid Releases: One of the defining characteristics of containers is the frequency of updates: developers deploy changes daily or, even more frequently, hourly. If the scanning process is not well-defined, vulnerabilities that exist in the code or Dockerfiles can be missed. Therefore, comprehensive scanning at build or deploy time is beneficial in creating a good vulnerability management program, especially for containerized DevOps. Automating checks provides the dev teams with notifications on critical issues as soon as they arise.
4. Shared Responsibility with Cloud Providers: Some of the infrastructures use containers on private hosts, while others leverage managed cloud services, such as AWS ECS or Azure AKS. Each provider manages layers, but customers are on their own when it comes to images and configurations of the containers. Failure to notice these aspects can result in noncompliance or leaks of data. Continuous scanning and patching ensure the user’s responsibilities are shielded and provide a coverage layer from cloud providers to tenant implementations.
5. Maintaining Regulatory Compliance: Organizations that operate under HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or similar regulations need to demonstrate that data is safeguarded through the use of short-lived containers. By adopting container vulnerability management process steps—like scanning, patch logs, and documented fix intervals—businesses show compliance with mandated security. Lack of proper checks on containers may lead to audit failure and potentially hefty fines. Integrated container processes synchronize DevOps advancement with compliance requirements.

How Does Container Vulnerability Management Work?

Containers are based on the concept of images, which are temporary or short-lived and can be deployed or disposed of easily. This characteristic, while favoring speed and resource optimization, poses challenges to conventional scanning strategies. Container vulnerability management, therefore, requires specific workflows that are aligned to Docker, Kubernetes, or any other orchestrators. In the following sections, six key steps on how vulnerabilities are identified, evaluated, and addressed in container environments are explained.

1. Base Image Scanning: A large share of container vulnerability stems from the base image (for instance, official images from Docker Hub). By scanning these layers, it is possible to discover old OS packages or known CVEs in included libraries. By correcting these issues at the source before developers create new applications based on them, it is possible to maintain a cleaner pipeline. Periodically updating base images minimizes the reappearance of older issues over time.
2. Build Pipeline Integration: Most of the DevOps teams use CI/CD pipelines to automate the build processes of the containers. Through the application of scanning at the build stage, problems are detected and acted upon at the early stage. This approach may prevent merges or deployments if there are severe vulnerabilities involved. Merging container vulnerability scanning with the DevOps cycle means flaws rarely reach production. Any fix gets deployed quickly to avoid repeated vulnerabilities from being released to customers.
3. Registry and Repository Checks: When container images are stored in a private or public registry, daily scans help ensure that the older images are not infected with newly discovered vulnerabilities. Some solutions scan images on an ad-hoc basis, while others may re-scan periodically and incorporate new CVEs. When an image that was previously allowed is identified to have some problems, teams get notified. This continuous process is in line with container vulnerability management, where the images are not scanned and then left but are constantly monitored.
4. Runtime Monitoring: Containers frequently depend on short-lived microservices or scale depending on the load. This could be because traditional scanning only scans for images at rest and not the containers that are constantly being created and destroyed. Through runtime checks, security teams determine whether an attacker has exploited an existing vulnerability on an operating container. This real-time layer combines scanning data with behavioral detection to minimize the time window of opportunity for intruders.
5. Patch or Rebuild Cycle: Fixing a container vulnerability can involve fixing a library used by the container or replacing the container image with a new image. Since containers are not permanent, the ideal approach is to “replace rather than patch in place.” This approach eliminates faulty containers and replaces them with new ones having the correct packages, making the process easier. In the long run, this cyclical re-build helps to establish stability that is characteristic of a good vulnerability management program.
6. Documentation and Reporting: When vulnerabilities are closed, logs or dashboards record each patch or the updated image. This makes it possible to meet internal or external requirements—such as determining how fast critical risks were mitigated. When it comes to detailed data, one can identify the problems that are overlooked, for instance, base images or issues with frameworks that have recurrent mistakes. Combined with a strong approach to DevOps, it creates a feedback loop that continuously improves the security of containers.

Common Security Risks in Containerized Environments

Although containers provide flexibility, they also have some new types of risk that are different from those associated with VMs or physical servers. If there are misconfigurations, attackers can move from containers to other parts of the infrastructure or gain elevated privileges. Here are five typical security risks that illustrate why container vulnerability management is critical in today’s DevOps:

1. Privileged Containers: Some containers allow applications running inside to have root permissions or overuse host resources. If compromised, these containers allow the attacker to change host-level configurations or access other containers. Minimizing privileges is a core practice in container vulnerability management process strategies. For example, user namespaces or rootless containers make it easier to limit the damage in case of successful infiltration.
2. Exposed Docker Daemon: In addition to HTTP, by default, Docker’s API can bind to a local socket. Although it is designed to only allow the creation and manipulation of containers, if misconfigured or connected to other networks, attackers can send commands to create or manipulate containers. This leads to either preventing or facilitating the leakage of information from them. These threats are eliminated by proper daemon settings, SSL-based authentication, or proxy restrictions. Performing periodic checks on daemon configs is a great way to avoid having to deal with unsafe default settings.
3. Outdated Images in Production: One of the ways that teams manage images is by having them stored in local or remote registries. It is, therefore, dangerous to have such images on a system without updating them from time to time as they may develop weaknesses. Another reason why Devs might also keep shipping older versions is because of the “if it is not broke don’t fix it” mentality. A robust container vulnerability scanning routine detects newly disclosed flaws in previously used images. This approach prevents older images from being deployed without the latest patches.
4. Orchestrator Misconfiguration: Container orchestrators such as Kubernetes present further risks if they have weak RBAC or if the pods are overly privileged. Cybercriminals may move laterally from a compromised container to the cluster administrator level. Such cluster-wide exposure is minimized by applying the principle of least privilege, the utilization of strict resource quotas, and the scanning of cluster configurations. Orchestrator scanning complements per-image checks.
5. Insecure Host System: Containers are isolated user spaces but use the kernel of the host operating system. If the host itself is compromised or does not have updated security patches, threats can easily cross the boundary. To bypass the isolation, the attackers go for the kernel or system-level components. Ensuring the underlying OS remains patched forms part of container vulnerability scanning best practices, bridging container-level checks and host-level security.

Best Techniques for Container Vulnerability Management

To reduce container security risks, organizations employ a layered approach that includes scanning containers from the development stage to the runtime, using minimal container images, and storing images in the security compartments. Below, we outline five proven methods that help unify container security vulnerability management across the entire DevOps pipeline. Each of them can be viewed as tackling a specific aspect, ranging from build-time protection to real-time active measures.

1. Use Minimal Base Images: The more packages in an image, the higher the odds of unpatched libraries. Selecting minimal distributions such as Alpine or distroless can help minimize the number of possible attack vectors. The fact that there are fewer components to monitor means that when scanning is done, the results are likely to show fewer possible threats. This method also helps with patching as small images are easier to patch as compared to larger ones.
2. Embed Scanning in CI/CD: When code merges occur, an automated pipeline can build images and run container vulnerability scanning. If a critical defect is detected, it can prevent moving the code to staging or production. This gating also means that security becomes everyone’s concern: developers get alerted on known CVEs or outdated libraries within minutes. In the long run, it cultivates a culture of ‘fix on commit.’
3. Implement Image Signing and Verification: In case of a compromised registry or build pipeline, attackers can easily insert malicious code into images. Image signing can help to prove that images are obtained from reliable sources. There are tools like Docker Content Trust or Notary that allow teams to verify the authenticity of each pulled image. When combined with scanning, these measures create a solid foundation for vulnerability management, providing a trust chain from build to deployment.
4. Regularly Clean Up Old Images: Development teams may keep older images for future use, not realizing that they include many open issues. These images are stored in registries as they build up over time, increasing the likelihood that they will be reused by accident. By consistently deleting or moving old images to an archive, you reduce your exposure. Some solutions remove images that have been stored for a specified time to ensure they are not reintroduced into production lines.
5. Centralize Visibility with Dashboards: A consolidated dashboard for the scanning results of all container images is preferred as it is easy to track. It is also important to notice how many emerge over time or in certain dev teams to identify areas of improvement. Real-time dashboards provide the ability for security leads to view critical vulnerabilities or outstanding patches in real-time. This approach integrates the scan data with other DevOps metrics to support the timely identification of issues and progress tracking.

Challenges in Container Vulnerability Management

Containers make application deployment more convenient and scalable, but short-lived containers, sharing of OS kernels, and frequent code modification may pose challenges to scanning. Below, we delve into five challenges that commonly arise when implementing vulnerability management for containers, detailing how they might delay or derail patch efforts. Knowledge is power, and the first step to overcoming these obstacles is to understand them.

1. Rapid Deployment Cycles: The use of containers can create new endpoints in seconds, and this can be a challenge in managing all of them. In highly dynamic microservices environments, the scanning needs to be close to real-time or part of the pipeline. Otherwise, an image might appear and disappear without ever being reviewed in detail. Finding a good balance between speed and effectiveness in identifying security issues is a challenge that DevOps teams face.
2. Maintaining Multiple Registries: Container images can be stored in private or third-party managed services or across multiple cloud accounts within an enterprise. It is important to note that each of the repositories may use different scanning solutions or may not use any at all. Coordinating the scanning results from all these registries requires great coordination. Otherwise, images from “less checked” registries may contain known vulnerabilities.
3. Complex Dependency Layers: A single container image can contain multiple layers of dependencies ranging from the base operating system packages to specific libraries. Some of these flaws reside in sub-libraries that development teams may not even be aware of their code calls. Tools that recursively examine each layer allow for greater depth of coverage; however, the complexity of scanning rises. When working with large images, reviewing the layers can be time-consuming if not optimized, which impacts DevOps cycles.
4. High Volume of Vulnerabilities: While browsing through the base images of the most used platforms or open-source frameworks, you can be overwhelmed by the number of minor, moderate, and critical vulnerabilities. Without risk-based filtering, the staff might become overwhelmed meaning that they will have a lot of work to do. This large number can cause delays in addressing the issues if the team attempts to address all of them in a similar manner. This is in agreement with the general vulnerability management for beginners, where the biggest threats are dealt with first and in a structured manner.
5. Lack of Standardization: It is also important to understand that different dev teams may decide to use different OS layers or container orchestration tools. This makes it challenging to scan because some solutions are compatible with Dockerfiles while others are compatible with Kubernetes. For a cohesive container vulnerability management process, an enterprise-wide policy for base images, scanning tools, and patch intervals reduces confusion. That standardization fosters consistent results.

Container Vulnerability Management Best Practices

Making actual progress in container vulnerability management means integrating security measures into DevOps, selecting the right intervals for scanning, and establishing a proper approach to patches. In the following section, we present five practices that enhance the container environment and map them to the existing guidelines tailored to the developers’ workflow. Each tip aims at avoiding the recurrence of known issues or having vulnerabilities left for an extended period without being fixed.

1. Embrace the concept of Security as Code: Security policies are stored alongside application code to guarantee that scanning and patch rules are checked into version control by teams. This helps identify whether security changes are made at the same time as code changes. As with any code, policies undergo testing and are updated periodically to reflect the current environment. This method integrates the scanning process, compliance, and DevOps logic to enhance synergy.
2. Restrict Container Privileges: Processes that are run as root or have many privileges are dangerous to the system if they get compromised. Restricting the privileges or using the rootless container technology reduces the chances of the attacker tampering with the host. There are also tools that allow the specification of per-container security policies. These constraints reduce the range of damage that each container can cause over time.
3. Keep Base Images Lightweight: Selecting small, minimal images such as Alpine or distroless minimizes the number of libraries or packages installed. The reduction in the number of parts leads to reduced possible defects and easier patching routines. However, as time passes, scanning these minimal images usually results in fewer alarms. This approach is a recognized standard among container vulnerability scanning best practices for DevOps pipelines.
4. Automate Patching in CI/CD: Manual patch cycles are prone to concealing more severe issues, especially in fast-paced DevOps environments. By associating scanning with automatic patch pulls or rebuild triggers, each new build updates the appropriate libraries. This approach makes sure that the pipeline removes images that contain code that has not been patched for a long time. Developing teams gain quick benefits, linking scanning outputs with immediate corrections.
5. Document and Log Everything: Documentation of discovered vulnerabilities, fix actions, and final confirmation helps in accountability. Logs also prove compliance in cases where an audit challenges the patch timelines. When linking logs to user stories or dev tasks, it becomes easier to see how each of the flaws was handled. In the long run, it is possible to identify patterns in the logs—such as the same libraries being exploited or the same configurations being missed out.

How SentinelOne Secures Containers?

Singularity™ Cloud Security is an end-to-end solution that offers centralized control, immediate responses, and automatic processes. It also has advanced analytics to go beyond standard security measures and incorporate threat defense based on artificial intelligence. The system involves public or private cloud and on-premises data centers. There are no limits in terms of coverage, and it can be applied to virtual machines, Kubernetes clusters, containers, and others. Here, we present four fundamental concepts that provide a foundation for the unification of scanning, patching, and real-time security for containers.

1. Active Build-Time Scanning: At build stages, the platform can scan container images for known CVEs and misconfigurations. This assists DevOps teams in identifying problems that need to be addressed before they are deployed into the production environment. It also makes sure that older library versions or unpatched dependencies are detected early so that repeated vulnerabilities do not get shipped. Integrating scanning at build is a hallmark of container vulnerability scanning best practices.
2. Runtime Defense: When containers run in production, the system uses local artificial intelligence engines to identify anomalous behavior or an attempt to exploit the system. This runtime coverage is particularly useful for transient microservices that exist for a short time. If a container runs known flawed code, the system can notify or restrict the container. Real-time detection helps to minimize zero-day or newly discovered exploit windows, supporting an efficient vulnerability management program.
3. Compliance and Configuration Checks: In addition to searching for CVEs, the platform also checks to make sure that the configurations of containers match standard security practices. This includes checking the configuration of the container orchestrator, looking for secrets, and avoiding privilege escalation. The solution is able to prevent the creation of misconfigurations that would otherwise lead to vulnerabilities because of setting oversights. This integration combines the scanning output with the direct fix workflows.
4. Full Visibility Across Clouds: Singularity™ Cloud Security provides visibility into multiple cloud providers and private data centers, enabling the team to manage vulnerabilities from a single pane of glass. When it comes to DevOps managing multi-cloud or hybrid environments, it consolidates scan results, threat intelligence, and patch management status. This assists in determining whether images residing in other container registries are the latest version. In the long run, this leads to the establishment of consistent DevOps coverage that does not allow for significant blind spots to occur.

Conclusion

Managing container vulnerability is a challenging task that requires constant scanning, integration of DevOps, and focusing on images that are as short-lived as possible. This is due to the fact that an increasing number of container images contain high and critical vulnerabilities, and not paying attention to them may lead to threats when deployed. Nevertheless, by identifying problems, ranking solutions, and implementing safe configurations, even dynamic microservices can be secure. This correlates with an effective vulnerability management program where the scanning results help to fuel quick patch cycles. To avoid having to repeat the same vulnerabilities over and over again, it is important to ensure that each container iteration is checked and updated appropriately.

While containerization is a flexible solution, it means that scanning strategies also need to be adjusted. Scanning solutions integrated into CI/CD processes, restricted base image size, and real-time monitoring of running containers defeat the timeline for such vulnerabilities. In the long run, comprehensive updates, risk-based patching, and integrated DevOps processes prevent vulnerabilities from returning. When repeated through the life cycle of each container, this process establishes container security as a stable component of the contemporary business environment.

Want to strengthen container security even further? Take a look at SentinelOne’s Singularity™ Cloud Security for unified scanning, continuous AI threat detection, and seamless patch orchestration—ensuring your containers are protected from build to runtime.