What is the correct answer to this Supply Chain Security CKS question?

The correct answer is: trivy image nginx:latest — Trivy uses the `image` subcommand to scan a container image for vulnerabilities. The correct syntax is `trivy image `, which pulls the image (if not already present) and scans its OS packages and application dependencies against known vulnerability databases. Option B is correct because it follows this exact syntax.

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Supply Chain Security →easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Trivy Image Scan Command: Scan Container Images for Vulnerabilities

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 want to scan a container image for vulnerabilities before deploying it. Which command uses the Trivy tool to scan an image?

Clue words in this question

Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.

Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.

A
trivy check nginx:latest
Why wrong: 'trivy check' is not a valid subcommand for scanning images.
B
trivy image nginx:latest
trivy image scans the specified container image for vulnerabilities.
C
trivy fs nginx:latest
Why wrong: trivy fs scans a filesystem, not a container image.
D
trivy scan nginx:latest
Why wrong: 'trivy scan' is not a valid subcommand; the correct subcommand is 'image'.

Full breakdown with real-world context →

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

✓

trivy image nginx:latest

Trivy uses the `image` subcommand to scan a container image for vulnerabilities. The correct syntax is `trivy image <image_name>`, which pulls the image (if not already present) and scans its OS packages and application dependencies against known vulnerability databases. Option B is correct because it follows this exact syntax.

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 check nginx:latest
Why it's wrong here
'trivy check' is not a valid subcommand for scanning images.
✓
trivy image nginx:latest
Why this is correct
trivy image scans the specified container image for vulnerabilities.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
trivy fs nginx:latest
Why it's wrong here
trivy fs scans a filesystem, not a container image.
✗
trivy scan nginx:latest
Why it's wrong here
'trivy scan' is not a valid subcommand; the correct subcommand is 'image'.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword

CNCF-CKS often tests the exact subcommand names for tools like Trivy, expecting candidates to know that `image` is the correct subcommand for scanning container images, not generic verbs like `check` or `scan`.

Trap categories for this question

Command / output trap
'trivy check' is not a valid subcommand for scanning images.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

Trivy operates by extracting the OS package manager metadata (e.g., dpkg, rpm, apk) and application dependency files (e.g., package-lock.json, go.sum) from the image layers. It then cross-references the package versions against databases like NVD, Red Hat OVAL, and Alpine SecDB. In a real-world CI/CD pipeline, `trivy image` is often used with `--severity HIGH,CRITICAL` to fail builds on critical vulnerabilities.

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.

Visual reference

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.

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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: trivy image nginx:latest — Trivy uses the `image` subcommand to scan a container image for vulnerabilities. The correct syntax is `trivy image <image_name>`, which pulls the image (if not already present) and scans its OS packages and application dependencies against known vulnerability databases. Option B is correct because it follows this exact syntax.

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.

Are there clue words in this question I should notice?

Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

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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.