Docker Security Basics
Essential Docker and container security practices for AI-generated applications. Learn how to secure Dockerfiles, choose safe base images, and configure containers to prevent common vulnerabilities.
AI-Generated Dockerfiles Are Often Insecure
AI code generators frequently create Dockerfiles that run as root, use outdated base images, include unnecessary build tools in production, and bake secrets into images. These misconfigurations lead to container escapes, credential theft, and compromised deployments.
Docker Security Checklist
Follow these 12 steps to secure your Docker containers. Critical items prevent the most common container security vulnerabilities.
Use official and minimal base images
Start from official images like node:alpine or python:slim instead of full OS images to reduce attack surface.
Never run containers as root
Create a non-root user in Dockerfile and switch to it before running application code to limit privilege escalation.
Scan images for vulnerabilities
Use docker scan or Trivy to detect CVEs in base images and dependencies before deploying to production.
Use multi-stage builds
Separate build and runtime stages to exclude build tools, source code, and development dependencies from final images.
Pin image versions explicitly
Use specific version tags like node:20.11-alpine instead of latest to prevent unexpected breaking changes and vulnerabilities.
Use .dockerignore properly
Exclude .git, .env, node_modules, and sensitive files from Docker build context to prevent secrets in images.
Set read-only root filesystem
Run containers with --read-only flag when possible to prevent malware from modifying the container filesystem.
Limit container capabilities
Drop unnecessary Linux capabilities with --cap-drop and only add required ones with --cap-add for defense in depth.
Configure resource limits
Set memory and CPU limits in docker-compose or Kubernetes to prevent denial of service from resource exhaustion.
Use secrets management
Pass secrets via Docker secrets or environment variables instead of building them into images or storing in source.
Enable container security scanning
Integrate automated image scanning in CI/CD pipeline to catch vulnerabilities before production deployment.
Sign and verify images
Use Docker Content Trust to sign images and verify signatures to prevent running tampered containers.
Common Container Security Vulnerabilities
Running as Root User
CriticalContainers run as root by default, allowing attackers who compromise the app to gain full control of the container.
Secrets Baked Into Images
CriticalAPI keys and credentials in Dockerfile or committed .env files, visible to anyone who pulls the image.
Vulnerable Base Images
HighUsing outdated base images with known CVEs that can be exploited to compromise containers and escape to host.
Unnecessary Build Tools in Prod
MediumIncluding npm, pip, or gcc in production images increases attack surface with tools attackers can abuse.
Related Resources
Audit Your Dockerfiles
VibeEval analyzes Dockerfiles and container configurations to detect root users, vulnerable base images, baked-in secrets, and unnecessary build tools. Secure your containers before deployment.
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