docker / docker-credential-helpers

Key Management

This outline describes the key management techniques used in docker-credential-helpers, focusing on how credentials are stored and retrieved securely.

Key Management Techniques

docker-credential-helpers implements different key management techniques for storing and retrieving credentials. The approach used depends on the specific credential helper and the operating system.

1. Direct Storage

  • Description: This technique involves storing credentials directly in the credential helper’s configuration file.
  • Example: The docker-credential-helpers for Linux and Windows typically use this approach.
  • Security Considerations: Direct storage should be avoided when possible, as it might expose sensitive credentials if the configuration file is compromised.
  • Relevant Code:

2. Secure Storage

  • Description: This approach leverages the operating system’s built-in secure storage mechanisms to store credentials securely.
  • Example:
    • macOS: The docker-credential-helpers for macOS utilizes the OS X Keychain.
    • Windows: The docker-credential-helpers for Windows utilizes the Windows Credential Manager.
  • Security Considerations: Secure storage mechanisms provide a higher level of security compared to direct storage, as they are designed for storing sensitive data.
  • Relevant Code:

3. Encryption

  • Description: Some credential helpers employ encryption to further enhance the security of stored credentials.
  • Example: The docker-credential-helpers might use encryption algorithms like AES or RSA to encrypt credentials before storing them.
  • Security Considerations: Encryption adds another layer of protection, making it harder for unauthorized individuals to access the credentials even if the storage mechanism is compromised.
  • Relevant Code:

4. Secrets Management Services

  • Description: In some cases, credential helpers might integrate with dedicated secrets management services for storing and retrieving credentials.
  • Example:
    • Hashicorp Vault: This service can be used to securely store and manage credentials.
    • AWS Secrets Manager: This service allows for managing secrets in an AWS environment.
  • Security Considerations: Secrets management services offer advanced security features like role-based access control, audit logging, and encryption, providing a robust security solution.
  • Relevant Code:

Choosing the Right Key Management Approach

The choice of key management technique depends on several factors, including:

  • Security Requirements: The level of sensitivity of the stored credentials.
  • Operating System: The operating system on which the credential helper will be used.
  • Integration with Existing Systems: The need to integrate with existing secrets management services.

It’s important to choose the most appropriate key management technique for the specific use case and prioritize security considerations.