- A
Use a runtime security tool like Falco to detect exploitation attempts.
Why wrong: Detection is important but does not prevent the vulnerability from existing.
- B
Patch the vulnerability by installing a security update inside the running container.
Why wrong: Patching at runtime is not a long-term fix and may not persist.
- C
Add an admission controller that rejects images with vulnerabilities.
Why wrong: This only prevents deployment, but the image still has the vulnerability; better to fix the source.
- D
Rebuild the image using a patched base image and integrate vulnerability scanning into the CI pipeline.
Fixing the base image and scanning prevent vulnerable images from being built.
- E
Switch to a different container runtime that is immune to the vulnerability.
Why wrong: The vulnerability is in the image, not the runtime.
CKS Supply Chain Security Practice Question
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of supply chain security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security audit reveals that a container image running in production contains a critical vulnerability (CVE-2024-1234). The image was built from a base image that had the vulnerability. What is the MOST effective long-term solution to prevent such issues?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Rebuild the image using a patched base image and integrate vulnerability scanning into the CI pipeline.
Option D is the most effective long-term solution because it addresses the root cause by rebuilding the image from a patched base image, eliminating the vulnerability at the source. Integrating vulnerability scanning into the CI pipeline ensures that future images are automatically checked for known CVEs before deployment, preventing vulnerable images from reaching production. This aligns with the principle of shifting security left in the software supply chain.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use a runtime security tool like Falco to detect exploitation attempts.
Why it's wrong here
Detection is important but does not prevent the vulnerability from existing.
- ✗
Patch the vulnerability by installing a security update inside the running container.
Why it's wrong here
Patching at runtime is not a long-term fix and may not persist.
- ✗
Add an admission controller that rejects images with vulnerabilities.
Why it's wrong here
This only prevents deployment, but the image still has the vulnerability; better to fix the source.
- ✓
Rebuild the image using a patched base image and integrate vulnerability scanning into the CI pipeline.
Why this is correct
Fixing the base image and scanning prevent vulnerable images from being built.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Switch to a different container runtime that is immune to the vulnerability.
Why it's wrong here
The vulnerability is in the image, not the runtime.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CNCF often tests the distinction between reactive runtime detection (Falco) and proactive supply chain fixes (rebuilding with patched base images), leading candidates to choose a runtime tool instead of addressing the root cause in the CI/CD pipeline.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Vulnerability scanning tools like Trivy or Clair integrate into CI pipelines to scan container images against CVE databases (e.g., NVD, Red Hat OVAL). When a base image is patched, the image digest changes, requiring a rebuild to incorporate the fix; this ensures the image is immutable and reproducible. In a real-world scenario, a team using Docker multi-stage builds must ensure the base image in the first stage is also patched, as vulnerabilities can propagate from intermediate layers.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Supply Chain Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Supply Chain Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CKS questions
997 questions across all exam domains
- →
Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist CKS study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CKS practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related CKS practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Monitoring Logging and Runtime Security practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Monitoring Logging and Runtime Security.
Cluster Setup and Hardening practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Cluster Setup and Hardening.
System Hardening practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to System Hardening.
Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities.
Supply Chain Security practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Supply Chain Security.
Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security.
Cluster Setup practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Cluster Setup.
Cluster Hardening practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to Cluster Hardening.
CKS fundamentals practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to CKS fundamentals.
CKS scenario practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to CKS scenario.
CKS troubleshooting practice questions
Practise CKS questions linked to CKS troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free CKS practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
Supply Chain Security — This question tests Supply Chain Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Rebuild the image using a patched base image and integrate vulnerability scanning into the CI pipeline. — Option D is the most effective long-term solution because it addresses the root cause by rebuilding the image from a patched base image, eliminating the vulnerability at the source. Integrating vulnerability scanning into the CI pipeline ensures that future images are automatically checked for known CVEs before deployment, preventing vulnerable images from reaching production. This aligns with the principle of shifting security left in the software supply chain.
What should I do if I get this CKS question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This CKS practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CKS exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.