CCSP Cloud Application Security Practice Question
An organization uses a CI/CD pipeline that automatically builds and deploys container images to a Kubernetes cluster. A security scanner flags that the base image contains a critical vulnerability. What is the best course of action to prevent vulnerable images from being deployed?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates think replacing the base image with a minimal one (Option A) is sufficient, but ISC2 often tests that security must be automated and enforced as a gate in the pipeline, not just a manual or reactive measure.
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
✓
Integrate a container image scanning tool into the CI/CD pipeline that blocks builds if critical vulnerabilities are found.
Integrating a container image scanning tool directly into the CI/CD pipeline and configuring it to block the build when critical vulnerabilities are found ensures that vulnerable images never reach the Kubernetes cluster. This shift-left approach enforces security gates automatically, preventing deployment of non-compliant images without relying on manual intervention or post-deployment alerts.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Replace the base image with a minimal image like Alpine.
Why it's wrong here
Minimal images reduce attack surface but vulnerable components may still exist.
- ✗
Manually review and patch the base image before each build.
Why it's wrong here
Cannot scale and is error-prone.
- ✓
Integrate a container image scanning tool into the CI/CD pipeline that blocks builds if critical vulnerabilities are found.
Why this is correct
Automated prevention at the pipeline stage.
- ✗
Configure the scanner to send alerts after deployment.
Why it's wrong here
Reactive; vulnerable images are already deployed.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CCSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CCSP exam.