Understanding Trivy's Architecture

Before diving into installation, it's essential to understand Trivy's architecture and how it operates. Trivy functions as a standalone binary that doesn't require additional services or databases to run. This simplicity sets it apart from other scanners that need complex infrastructure. When you run Trivy, it downloads and maintains its own vulnerability database, which includes information from multiple sources such as the National Vulnerability Database (NVD), Red Hat Security Advisories, and distribution-specific security feeds.

Trivy's modular architecture supports scanning various targets beyond just container images. It can analyze file systems, Git repositories, Kubernetes clusters, and Infrastructure as Code templates. This versatility makes Trivy a comprehensive security tool that grows with your needs. The scanner uses a client-server model where the client performs the actual scanning while downloading vulnerability data from Trivy's servers or your own mirror.

The vulnerability detection engine in Trivy employs sophisticated matching algorithms that go beyond simple version comparisons. It understands package management systems, can detect vulnerabilities in application dependencies, and even identifies misconfigurations in Dockerfiles. This comprehensive approach ensures thorough security assessment while maintaining fast scan times that don't impede development workflows.