← All tools

Trivy

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 Trivy?

Trivy scans container images, filesystems, and IaC for vulnerabilities and misconfig.

Shift-left image/IaC security in CI and local builds.

Official website: Trivy · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Scan images, IaC and dependencies for vulnerabilities.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Trivy.
  • 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 Trivy 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

    trivy --help

  2. 2. Docs

    https://trivy.dev/

Kali Linux

Install via apt/brew/binary — common DevSecOps tool alongside Kali AppSec work.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxInstall via apt/brew/binary — common DevSecOps tool alongside Kali AppSec work.
OfficialSee official docs: https://trivy.dev/

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    trivy image nginx:latest

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. 2. Show help

    trivy --help

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

  3. 3. Short help

    trivy -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
--help / -hList all options

5. Useful features

  • Core workflow and interface
  • Reading and interpreting output
  • Key configuration options
  • Integrating into a professional workflow

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    trivy image nginx:latest

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. Example 2: Show help

    trivy --help

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

  3. Example 3: Short help

    trivy -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

7. Important notes

  • Trivy is used by professionals for legitimate defense, testing and research.
  • 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