Docker is a popular platform for containerization, which allows software applications and their dependencies to be packaged and deployed in a portable and scalable way. A container is a lightweight and portable executable package that includes everything an application needs to run, including code, runtime, system tools, libraries, and settings. Docker provides an easy-to-use interface for building, shipping, and running containers across different operating systems and environments.

Docker is based on open source technology and is widely used by developers, DevOps teams, and IT professionals to streamline software development, deployment, and operations. It enables users to build and deploy applications faster and more reliably by providing a consistent and predictable environment, isolating applications from the underlying infrastructure, and allowing multiple containers to run on a single host. Additionally, Docker provides a rich ecosystem of tools and services for container orchestration, networking, storage, and security, making it a popular choice for building and deploying microservices and distributed systems.

Installing / Configuring

The steps to install Docker may vary depending on your operating system and distribution. Here are general steps for installing Docker on Linux, macOS, and Windows:

Linux

  1. Update package index: sudo apt-get update

  2. Install packages to allow apt to use a repository over HTTPS: sudo apt-get install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl gnupg lsb-release

  3. Add Docker’s official GPG key: curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg

  4. Add Docker repository: echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null

  5. Update package index: sudo apt-get update

  6. Install Docker: sudo apt-get install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

  7. Verify installation: sudo docker run hello-world

MacOS

  1. Download Docker Desktop for Mac from the Docker website.

  2. Double-click the Docker.dmg file to open the installer.

  3. Drag the Docker.app icon to the Applications folder.

  4. Double-click Docker.app to start the installation.

  5. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

  6. Verify installation: Open a terminal window and run docker run hello-world

Windows:

  1. Download Docker Desktop for Windows from the Docker website.

  2. Double-click the Docker Desktop Installer.exe file to start the installation.

  3. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

  4. Once installed, Docker will start automatically.

  5. Verify installation: Open a PowerShell window and run docker run hello-world

These are general steps, and you may need to adjust them based on your system configuration. Refer to the Docker documentation for more detailed installation instructions.

Ensuring STIG Compliance

The Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) provide guidance for securing computer systems and software. To make Docker STIG compliant, you should follow the security requirements outlined in the STIGs, and apply them to your Docker environment. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Secure the Docker Host: You should harden the host system by disabling unnecessary services and ports, enabling security controls such as firewall, and configuring security settings such as user authentication, access controls, and auditing.

  • Configure Docker Settings: You should configure Docker daemon settings to adhere to STIG requirements, such as enforcing secure communication, configuring logging and auditing, and disabling unneeded features.

  • Secure Docker Images: You should scan Docker images for vulnerabilities, enforce image signing and verification, and use trusted repositories for downloading and storing images.

  • Secure Docker Containers: You should apply security best practices for running Docker containers, such as running containers as non-root users, limiting container privileges, and applying security patches and updates regularly.

  • Implement Network Security: You should implement network security controls to protect Docker traffic, such as encrypting traffic, using secure protocols, and isolating containers using network segmentation.

  • Implement Access Controls: You should apply access controls to limit access to Docker resources, such as using role-based access control (RBAC), managing permissions and privileges, and using secure credentials.

  • Monitor and Audit: You should monitor Docker logs, audit trails, and system activity to detect and respond to security incidents and compliance violations.

By following these steps, you can make your Docker environment STIG compliant and ensure that your system is secure and compliant with the latest security standards.

Applicable RMF Controls

The Risk Management Framework (RMF) is a process that provides a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and managing cybersecurity risks. There are several RMF controls that apply to Docker, as it is a platform for containerization that can be used to deploy software applications in various environments. Here are some of the RMF controls that apply to Docker:

  1. AC-4 - Access Control: Docker requires access controls to ensure that only authorized users can access the Docker daemon and its resources.

  2. AC-6 - Least Privilege: Docker requires users to be assigned the least privilege necessary to perform their assigned tasks.

  3. AU-6 - Audit Review, Analysis, and Reporting: Docker requires auditing to be enabled to capture and report on security events, such as unauthorized access or system changes.

  4. CM-2 - Baseline Configuration: Docker requires that the system configuration is documented, maintained, and tracked to ensure that it is consistent with the security requirements.

  5. CM-6 - Configuration Settings: Docker requires that system settings are configured in accordance with security requirements, such as disabling unneeded services and ports, enforcing secure communication, and enabling logging and auditing.

  6. CP-9 - Information System Backup: Docker requires that data is backed up regularly and stored in a secure location to ensure availability and recoverability in case of a system failure or data loss.

  7. IA-2 - Identification and Authentication: Docker requires that users are properly identified and authenticated before accessing the Docker daemon and its resources.

  8. RA-5 - Vulnerability Scanning: Docker requires that the system is regularly scanned for vulnerabilities and that appropriate actions are taken to remediate any identified vulnerabilities.

  9. SA-9 - External Information System Services: Docker requires that external information system services are accessed and used in accordance with security requirements and that they are properly configured and monitored to prevent unauthorized access.

These are just a few of the RMF controls that apply to Docker. The specific controls that apply may depend on the specific use case and environment in which Docker is being used.