Best Practices for CI/CD Vulnerability Scanning

In 2024, the number of reported vulnerabilities surged by 39%, with nearly 40,000 CVEs logged. Alarmingly, the average time-to-exploit shrank to just five days, highlighting the urgent need for automated vulnerability scanning in CI/CD pipelines. This approach helps identify issues early, ensures compliance with UK GDPR, and reduces the risk of breaches.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Why It Matters: Early detection saves time and money. Automated scans reduce security incidents by 67% and improve compliance for 93% of organisations.
• Challenges for UK Businesses: Balancing security with fast deployments, adhering to UK GDPR, and managing risks from third-party code.
• Solutions: Use tools like SAST, DAST, SCA, and secrets scanning. Automate scans with triggers and integrate notifications for quick action.
• Key Practices: Implement strict access controls, regular audits, and patch management. Combine quick scans for early detection with deeper scans at critical stages.

How to Create a DevSecOps CI/CD Pipeline

Setting Up Automated Vulnerability Scanning in CI/CD Pipelines

Embedding security checks into your CI/CD pipelines is crucial for maintaining a balance between robust security and development speed. This section explains how to automate vulnerability scanning to detect issues early without slowing down your workflow.

Shift-Left Security Approach

The shift-left strategy focuses on identifying vulnerabilities as early as possible in the development process. By catching issues during the initial stages, developers can resolve them immediately while the context is still fresh. For instance, pre-commit hooks can scan code before it even reaches the repository. These scans can flag issues like hardcoded credentials or violations of coding standards, reducing the workload for later stages of testing.

Once the shift-left approach is in place, the next step is selecting the right types of scans to ensure comprehensive security coverage.

Types of Vulnerability Scans

Different scanning methods target specific areas of vulnerability. Here’s a breakdown of the key options:

• Static Application Security Testing (SAST): Analyses source code without executing it, identifying issues like SQL injection or cross-site scripting. SAST is quick and effective for catching coding errors early, though it can generate false positives and miss runtime issues.

• Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST): Focuses on running applications to detect vulnerabilities that appear during execution, such as authentication bypasses or session management flaws. DAST scans are resource-intensive and typically reserved for critical builds or pre-production environments.

• Software Composition Analysis (SCA): Examines third-party dependencies and open-source components to identify vulnerabilities in external code. This is essential for modern software, where external libraries often make up a significant portion of the codebase.

• Secrets Scanning: Prevents sensitive information like API keys, passwords, or certificates from being stored in repositories. These tools use pattern matching and entropy analysis to spot potential leaks.

• Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Scanning: Reviews configuration files for cloud resources, containers, and other infrastructure components. It helps identify misconfigurations like overly permissive access controls or unencrypted storage.

A robust security strategy combines these scanning methods. For example, run SAST and secrets scans on every commit to catch issues early, while reserving DAST scans for major builds to uncover runtime vulnerabilities. This layered approach ensures thorough coverage without compromising development speed.

Automated Triggers and Tool Integration

After selecting the appropriate scan types, the next step is integrating tools to automate the process. Automation ensures seamless and consistent security checks across your pipeline.

• Real-Time Triggers: Webhooks can automatically start scans whenever developers push code to repositories like GitHub, GitLab, or Bitbucket. This ensures that every change is evaluated promptly.

• Periodic Polling: For teams that prefer more control, SCM polling can check repositories at regular intervals and initiate scans as needed.

Choosing the right tools is equally important. Tools like SonarQube and Checkmarx integrate seamlessly with CI/CD systems for efficient static analysis. Platforms such as Devtron simplify the process further by offering built-in support for tools like Trivy and Clair, while also allowing custom integrations with solutions like AWS Inspector or Docker Scout.

To keep your team informed, configure notifications via Slack, Microsoft Teams, or email. This ensures that scan results are delivered to the right people quickly, enabling immediate action. Additionally, you can set up pipeline gates to automatically block builds with critical vulnerabilities, preventing insecure code from advancing to production.

Layered Scanning Strategy and Policy Management

Building a strong vulnerability scanning programme means striking the right balance between thorough security checks and maintaining development speed. A layered approach, using different types of scans at specific stages of the CI/CD pipeline, can help achieve this balance.

Combining Fast and In-Depth Scans

The key to effective vulnerability scanning lies in well-timed and properly resourced checks. Quick scans, for instance, are great for spotting obvious issues early in the development process. These might include basic Static Application Security Testing (SAST) rules or dependency checks to catch vulnerabilities in third-party code. By integrating these lightweight scans early on, developers can get instant feedback without slowing things down.

Meanwhile, deeper scans provide a more thorough analysis. These include full SAST, Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST), and detailed Software Composition Analysis (SCA). These scans should be scheduled at critical points in the development cycle to uncover complex vulnerabilities before the software reaches production.

To make this approach even more efficient, configure severity thresholds. For example, early scans can block critical vulnerabilities immediately, leaving less severe issues for later, more detailed scans. Container security scanning is another piece of the puzzle - quick image scans can verify the integrity of base images during the build phase, while more detailed runtime checks can assess the container environment just before deployment.

Since threats are constantly evolving, it’s essential to keep scanner rules up to date. This ensures your layered scanning approach remains effective against new vulnerabilities.

Security Policies as Code

Keeping Scanner Rules Updated

The threat landscape is always changing, so your scanner rules and vulnerability databases need regular updates. Many commercial tools automatically refresh these rules to address emerging Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) and other threats. Additionally, integrating threat intelligence feeds can help you prioritise vulnerabilities based on their likelihood of exploitation, keeping your scanning strategy aligned with the latest security challenges.

Managing and Prioritising Vulnerability Findings

Identifying vulnerabilities through a layered scanning strategy is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in managing and prioritising those findings effectively. Without a clear plan, teams can quickly become overwhelmed by the sheer volume of alerts, risking the neglect of critical issues while spending time on less pressing ones.

Centralising Vulnerability Results

The first step in effective vulnerability management is consolidating all findings into one centralised system. By bringing together data from various scanning tools - whether it's SAST, DAST, SCA, or container security scanners - you create a single source of truth. This unified view allows teams to track progress, spot trends, and make informed decisions.

Modern vulnerability management platforms simplify this process by aggregating results from multiple tools into one interface. For organisations with more complex operations, integrating CI/CD pipeline logs and events with platforms like Splunk or IBM QRadar can help detect suspicious activity and trigger automated responses [1]. Feeding vulnerability data into tools developers already use ensures timely action and prevents delays.

Once centralised, the focus shifts to evaluating vulnerabilities based on risk.

Risk-Based Prioritisation Framework

Not all vulnerabilities are created equal, and a risk-based approach ensures that attention is directed where it’s needed most. Risk-Based Vulnerability Management (RBVM) goes beyond technical severity, considering factors like exploit likelihood and the importance of affected assets in the organisation's environment.

Use frameworks like KEV to address actively exploited risks, EPSS for likely threats, and CVSS for technical impact. Combine these with an understanding of asset criticality. For instance, a medium-severity issue in a customer-facing app might require immediate action, while a high-severity vulnerability in a development environment could wait for the next maintenance cycle.

Interestingly, research shows that only 0.91% of vulnerabilities reported in 2024 were actively weaponised [3]. This highlights the importance of focusing on real, actionable threats rather than theoretical risks. Organisations using automated prioritisation methods have been shown to reduce the time needed to fix critical vulnerabilities by 90% compared to traditional approaches [3]. A healthcare organisation, for example, partnered with a managed security provider to resolve over 100,000 high-priority vulnerabilities and remediate more than a million issues in just three months, significantly lowering their exposure to risk [2].

With a risk-based framework in place, automation becomes the next step to ensure swift and consistent responses.

Automating Responses to Findings

Manual processes simply can’t keep up with the speed of modern development. Automation fills this gap by ensuring critical vulnerabilities are addressed without delay.

Tools like policy-as-code can block builds containing severe vulnerabilities, providing developers with immediate feedback [5]. Automated notification systems ensure the right teams are alerted as soon as an issue arises. For critical vulnerabilities, workflows can trigger immediate alerts or deployment blocks, while less urgent issues might generate tickets for later review.

DevOps security tools integrate these automated checks directly into the software development lifecycle, embedding security into daily workflows [4]. The impact of automation is often transformative. For example, a SaaS startup achieved SOC2 compliance readiness in just under a month by using Devtron, reducing their vulnerability response time by 60% [5]. Machine learning further enhances automation by processing large datasets in real time to detect threats, prioritise vulnerabilities, and identify anomalies [6].

Automation doesn’t replace human judgement - it complements it. By handling routine tasks automatically, teams can dedicate their energy to resolving complex challenges while maintaining consistent and efficient responses to common vulnerabilities.

Maintaining Secure CI/CD Environments

Automated scanning is a great starting point, but it’s not enough to ensure the ongoing security of your CI/CD environment. Without regular upkeep, even the most advanced systems can become vulnerabilities. A solid foundation of access management and system auditing is essential to keep your pipelines secure.

Access Controls and Least Privilege Principles

At the heart of a secure CI/CD setup are strict access controls and the principle of least privilege. This means every user, service, and process should only have the permissions they absolutely need to do their job. By limiting access, you reduce the chances of accidental errors and prevent malicious activity.

Role-based access control (RBAC) is a key tool in managing permissions effectively. For example, pipeline administrators might require full configuration access, while developers may only need permissions to trigger builds or review logs. Service accounts that handle automated tasks should have even tighter restrictions, limited to their specific operational needs [8][9]. Regularly reviewing access rights is crucial to remove unnecessary permissions, especially as roles evolve or team members leave.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is another must-have for all CI/CD users. Even if credentials are compromised, MFA adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorised access.

Managing secrets and environment variables securely is equally important. Tools like HashiCorp Vault, AWS Secrets Manager, and Azure Key Vault offer centralised, encrypted storage for sensitive data. These tools ensure secrets are encrypted both at rest and in transit, provide granular access controls, and keep detailed audit logs. Never store sensitive information in code repositories or plaintext configuration files. Instead, integrate secret management tools with your CI/CD platform to inject secrets at runtime, avoiding exposure in logs or build artefacts [9].

The risks of neglecting access control are stark. Take the Uber breach, for example: attackers exploited poorly configured CI/CD environments and exposed secrets to gain unauthorised access. This incident serves as a clear warning about the importance of robust security measures [9].

Auditing and Patch Management

Access control is just one piece of the puzzle. Auditing and patch management are equally critical for maintaining security.

Conduct quarterly audits of your pipeline configurations, user access, and integrations. These audits help identify misconfigurations and unused accounts. Don’t forget to include third-party integrations and plugins in your reviews to ensure they are up-to-date and sourced from trusted providers [8][9].

Automated tools can simplify the auditing process by scanning for configuration drift and compliance issues. Maintaining comprehensive audit trails is essential for accountability and tracking.

When it comes to patch management, staying current is non-negotiable. All CI/CD tools, plugins, and dependencies must be updated with the latest security patches. Establish a regular patching schedule, monitor vendor advisories, and automate updates wherever possible. Always test updates in a staging environment to avoid disruptions in production [9].

The numbers speak for themselves. CrowdStrike reports that 60% of organisations faced software supply chain attacks in 2023, with CI/CD vulnerabilities being a major entry point [8]. Additionally, the 2024 State of DevOps Report found that teams using automated security scanning in their CI/CD pipelines reduced critical vulnerabilities in production by 45%, compared to those relying solely on manual reviews [1].

For UK businesses, compliance with regulations like GDPR or ISO 27001 adds another layer of responsibility. These standards require strict controls over data access, processing, and storage. In CI/CD environments, this means implementing robust access controls, secure data handling, and detailed audit trails. Regular compliance checks and thorough documentation are essential to demonstrate adherence [8][9].

Continuous Improvement Cycles

Security isn’t a one-and-done task - it requires constant attention and adaptation. Continuous improvement cycles help ensure your CI/CD security practices keep pace with evolving threats and compliance demands. This involves regularly updating security processes based on new insights, industry developments, and feedback from your teams.

Post-incident reviews are particularly valuable for refining policies and training to prevent similar issues in the future.

Automation is a game-changer for maintaining security standards. Configure your CI/CD pipelines to automatically block deployments or trigger rollbacks when critical vulnerabilities are detected. Automated notifications can alert your team to urgent issues, while playbooks can handle routine incidents like revoking compromised credentials or isolating affected environments [1][7].

A growing trend is the use of security policies as code, which allows you to manage security rules through version control. This approach makes it easier to update, automate, and track policy changes in response to new threats [7].

These ongoing refinements enhance early vulnerability detection, creating a robust and proactive security framework for your CI/CD pipelines.

For many UK businesses, keeping up with these best practices internally can be challenging. This is where expert help becomes invaluable. Firms like Hokstad Consulting specialise in DevOps transformations and can offer tailored solutions, from security assessments to compliance support. Their expertise in cloud infrastructure and automation ensures that best practices are consistently applied, especially during major changes or scaling efforts.

Investing in proper maintenance pays off. By embedding security throughout the development lifecycle, organisations can not only reduce risk but also build stronger, more reliable systems that support long-term success.

Conclusion

Bringing together the strategies outlined earlier, effective CI/CD vulnerability scanning requires a thoughtful mix of technology, processes, and expert input. By embedding scanning into CI/CD pipelines, businesses create an automated defence system that evolves alongside their needs. Using a shift-left security approach, layered scanning techniques, and continuous improvement cycles, organisations can establish a strong security framework to combat increasingly sophisticated threats.

Key Takeaways

Identifying vulnerabilities early and automating responses can significantly reduce risks. Quick scans catch straightforward issues, while more detailed scans uncover complex vulnerabilities before they reach production. Writing security policies as code ensures consistency across environments and allows for swift adjustments to new threats.

Implementing strict access controls and secure secret management adds multiple layers of defence. Using multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and encrypted secret storage creates hurdles for attackers. Regular audits and patch updates ensure these measures remain effective over time.

Continuous improvement is key to maintaining relevant and effective security practices. As Jez Humble and David Farley explain:

The whole team should regularly gather together and hold a retrospective on the delivery process. This means that the team should reflect on what has gone well and what has gone badly, and discuss ideas on how to improve things. Somebody should be nominated to own each idea and ensure that it is acted upon. Then the next time the team gathers, they should report back on what happened. [10]

A multinational financial organisation saw the benefits of this approach while developing an online auto loan approval system. Their project leader fostered a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging team members to suggest security and process enhancements at any time. Approved suggestions were implemented quickly, leading to notable improvements in both delivery speed and product quality [10].

For UK businesses, compliance with regulations like GDPR and ISO 27001 adds an extra layer of complexity but also provides a helpful structure. These laws require strict controls over data access, processing, and storage - aligning closely with CI/CD security best practices. Properly implementing these controls not only meets regulatory standards but also boosts operational efficiency.

Getting Expert Support

While these principles offer a strong starting point, expert guidance can make implementation faster and more effective. Managing these intricate systems internally can strain resources, but partnering with specialists ensures that your CI/CD security measures stay both reliable and adaptable.

Consulting firms can provide tailored solutions to meet specific business needs and compliance requirements. For example, Hokstad Consulting focuses on DevOps transformations and cloud infrastructure optimisation. Their expertise in automation and security ensures that best practices are applied consistently, especially during major transitions or scaling efforts.

Expert support proves particularly valuable during security incidents and compliance audits. Effective responses to breaches - covering monitoring, detection, containment, eradication, and recovery - demand both technical skill and real-world experience. Professional guidance ensures these systems perform when they’re needed most.

Balancing automated security testing with development speed also requires careful planning. Specialists can configure these tools to enhance development workflows rather than slow them down, creating sustainable practices that teams are more likely to follow.

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