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Grype

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

Containers · Beginner · Containers lane

BeginnerSCA
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is Grype?

Grype scans images and SBOMs for known vulnerabilities.

Pair with Syft SBOMs for supply-chain visibility.

Official website: Grype · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Vulnerability scanner for images and SBOMs.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Grype.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • Cloud security engineers
  • DevSecOps
  • Platform / SRE security

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install Grype using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
  2. Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
  3. Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
  4. Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
  5. Record what you ran, what you observed, and any follow-up (filter, report, remediation).

Help & manual (like man / --help)

Every serious tool has a built-in way to look up flags. Learn these first so you are not stuck memorizing every option.

  1. 1. Help

    grype --help

  2. 2. Repo

    https://github.com/anchore/grype

Kali Linux

brew/binary install; used in pipelines more than classic Kali pentest kits.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali Linuxbrew/binary install; used in pipelines more than classic Kali pentest kits.
brewbrew install grype

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Scan public image for learning

    grype nginx:latest

    Scan public image for learning

  2. 2. Show help

    grype --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. 3. Short help

    grype -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

5. Useful features

  • SBOM input
  • CI

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Scan public image for learning

    grype nginx:latest

    Scan public image for learning

  2. Example 2: Show help

    grype --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. Example 3: Short help

    grype -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

7. Important notes

  • Pair with Syft for SBOM-driven scans.
  • Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
  • Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.

Related course: cloud security · devsecops · Commands: /commands#docker