Answer: Update the base container image and redeploy the environment (A) In the scenario, the vulnerabilities found were critical meaning that patches would need to be applied immediately. The options to patch the containers (B &C) could work, however, patching would likely take months, seeing how this vulnerability is critical, neither would address the concern's urgency. The option to update the host (D) also could work, however, the scenario specified that the vulnerabilities have been detected only on some applications and not on the host itself. While a container runs on a host machine, it does not mean they share the same vulnerabilities. So updating the host would likely not patch the vulnerabilities that were found in the containers. Out of the given options, the option to update on the base container image would 1.) addresses where the vulnerabilities were found and what needs to be updated and 2.) addresses the urgency to patch the critical vulnerability.

A is incorrect. The answer is D. Really shows that the voters don't know much about containers here. A container is merely a text file that allocates resources and libraries to a virtual environment, which in turn allows an application to function in an isolated environment. That's it The containers share the same Kernel as the base host system. Only the system Kernel and a text file of allocated resources and libraries stands between a critical vulnerability, and gaining access to the standard host computing environment. Swiss Cheese model and Defense-in-Depth applies here. Since there's no update to be applied to the container, and the base host & containers all are reliant on the same Kernel. Keeping the host system up to date with all security patches and firmware patches is the best way to prevent a critical vulnerability from breaking out of a container. Look up the container hierarchy, "dirty-pipe-exploit', and Docker software. Hardware > OS > Virtual Machine > Docker > Container Updating the host machine is absolutely the answer.

When it comes to remediating critical vulnerabilities in applications running inside containers, the best strategy would be option C: Patch each running container individually and test the application. Updating the base container image and redeploying the environment (option A) can be time-consuming and may not address vulnerabilities in the existing containers. Including the containers in the regular patching schedule for servers (option B) might not provide timely updates specifically for the containers. Updating the host in which the containers are running (option D) may not address vulnerabilities within the containers themselves. By patching each running container individually and testing the application (option C), you can ensure that the vulnerabilities within the containers are addressed directly. This approach allows for targeted remediation and reduces the risk of leaving any vulnerable containers in the environment.

For the ones who consider D as the correct answer: Updating the host system might enhance overall security, but it won't necessarily address vulnerabilities specific to the applications running inside containers. Each container is expected to be a self-contained unit, and updating the host won't automatically update the content of the containers.

Update the base container image Isolation and Consistency: Containers are designed to be lightweight and isolated instances. By updating the base container image, you ensure that all containers created from that updated image will have the latest patches and fixes. This approach maintains consistency across your environment. Efficiency: Updating the base image and redeploying is more efficient than patching each running container individually. It's easier to manage and less error-prone. Testing: You can thoroughly test the updated base image and application to ensure they work correctly before deploying them in production. Options B and C may be less efficient and more error-prone, as they involve patching each running container individually. Option D, updating the host, may not necessarily address the vulnerabilities within the containers, as containers are designed to be isolated from the host system. Therefore, updating the base container image and redeploying the environment is the preferred approach for addressing critical vulnerabilities in containerized applications.

The Vulnerability is not with the container (base image)..it is with the app within the container. C

A. Update the base container image and redeploy the environment. This strategy ensures that the vulnerabilities are addressed at the root level by updating the base container image, which serves as the foundation for all containers. Redeploying the environment with the updated image ensures that all containers are running on a secure base. It is a comprehensive approach that tackles the issue systemically and helps prevent future occurrences of similar vulnerabilities. Updating the host may not specifically address the vulnerabilities within the containers. It's a broader action that may not efficiently target the specific issue at hand.

A. Update the base container Image and redeploy the environment.

A kind of the point of containers is that you update the base image rather than each instance

Answer A is correct. The hirearchy provided by Gravoc Hardware > OS > Virtual Machine > Docker > Container is correct. However, the vulnerabilities found in the app has to be addressed in the container at the first place, before going to upper level. If the vulnerabilities can be patched on the container level, then the container can be redeployed fixing the issue.

Some of the containers may be compromised, best solution is to update the base image with all security patches and updates, re-deploy all containers.

base container image is an empty image therefore answer A is wrong

From my experience with this website so far I appreciate the questions and the discussion even more. If you answer is different from the revealed answer you are doing just fine.

Patch or Update the Vulnerable Components: Identify the specific vulnerabilities and the affected components (e.g., libraries, dependencies) within the containerized applications. Determine if patches or updates are available to address these vulnerabilities. Many software vendors release security updates and patches for known vulnerabilities. If patches or updates are available, apply them to the affected containers. This might involve rebuilding the container image with the patched components and deploying the updated image.

The best remediation strategy for critical vulnerabilities found in containerized applications is to update the base container image and redeploy the environment. The advantages of this approach are: Containers are meant to be ephemeral and rebuilt frequently. Updating the image allows rebuilding secure containers. Patching the base image once fixes the issue for all containers using that image. Individual container patching is inefficient. Host patching does not fix vulnerabilities within the container images themselves. Rebuilding from a patched base image is faster than live container or host patching. Testing can be done on new containers from the updated image before redeploying en masse.

B. Makes the most sense here - think of containers like the apps on your smartphone. Though critical, these are not going to affect the phone itself. Do automatic patching and you are good. Second best is patch each and test.

A is the correct answer. This option ensures that all containers launched from the updated base image will have the necessary security patches applied, effectively addressing the vulnerabilities across the entire containerized environment. It is a proactive approach that helps prevent future instances of the same vulnerabilities and ensures consistency across deployments.