- A
trivy image --format spdx myimage:latest > sbom.spdx && cosign verify --key cosign.pub myimage:latest
Why wrong: Trivy can generate SBOM, but cosign verify is for verification, not for attaching attestations.
- B
syft myimage:latest -o spdx > sbom.spdx && cosign attest --type spdx --predicate sbom.spdx myimage:latest
This correctly generates an SBOM in SPDX format and attaches it as an in-toto attestation.
- C
cosign sign --key cosign.key myimage:latest && syft myimage:latest -o spdx
Why wrong: Signing first is unnecessary and the order is wrong; SBOM generation should precede attestation.
- D
crane ls myimage:latest && cosign attest --type spdx --predicate sbom.spdx myimage:latest
Why wrong: crane ls lists tags, it does not generate an SBOM.
Question 392 of 997
How to Generate an SBOM and Attach It as an Attestation with Cosign
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.
You are asked to generate an SBOM for a container image and attach it as an attestation using cosign. Which two commands would you run in sequence?
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
✓
syft myimage:latest -o spdx > sbom.spdx && cosign attest --type spdx --predicate sbom.spdx myimage:latest
Option B is correct because it first uses Syft to generate an SPDX-format SBOM from the container image, then uses cosign attest to attach that SBOM as an in-toto attestation to the image. This sequence satisfies the requirement to generate an SBOM and attach it as an attestation using cosign.
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.
- ✗
trivy image --format spdx myimage:latest > sbom.spdx && cosign verify --key cosign.pub myimage:latest
Why it's wrong here
Trivy can generate SBOM, but cosign verify is for verification, not for attaching attestations.
- ✓
syft myimage:latest -o spdx > sbom.spdx && cosign attest --type spdx --predicate sbom.spdx myimage:latest
Why this is correct
This correctly generates an SBOM in SPDX format and attaches it as an in-toto attestation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
cosign sign --key cosign.key myimage:latest && syft myimage:latest -o spdx
Why it's wrong here
Signing first is unnecessary and the order is wrong; SBOM generation should precede attestation.
- ✗
crane ls myimage:latest && cosign attest --type spdx --predicate sbom.spdx myimage:latest
Why it's wrong here
crane ls lists tags, it does not generate an SBOM.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
In CNCF/CKS exams, a common trap is confusing cosign sign (image signature) with cosign attest (attach an attestation). Also, the SBOM must be generated before it can be attached.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Syft generates SBOMs in formats like SPDX or CycloneDX by analyzing the container image layers and package managers. Cosign attest uses the in-toto attestation framework to create a signed attestation linking the SBOM (as a predicate) to the image digest, which can be verified later with cosign verify-attestation. This ensures the SBOM is cryptographically bound to the image, preventing tampering.
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 practitioner preparing for the CKS exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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
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All CKS questions
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Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist CKS study guide
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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: syft myimage:latest -o spdx > sbom.spdx && cosign attest --type spdx --predicate sbom.spdx myimage:latest — Option B is correct because it first uses Syft to generate an SPDX-format SBOM from the container image, then uses cosign attest to attach that SBOM as an in-toto attestation to the image. This sequence satisfies the requirement to generate an SBOM and attach it as an attestation using cosign.
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 →
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 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.
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