Containers & platform / report template
Kubernetes & Containers Assessment Report Template & PDF Example
Use the Kubernetes & Containers Assessment template to document clusters, namespaces, workloads and container images. This page explains the assessment boundaries, evidence expectations and relevant references, alongside a populated PDF example and an editable Vulnotes report template.
A reusable structure for clusters, namespaces, workloads and container images.
List cluster versions, managed-service boundaries, namespaces, workloads and image registries.
The report includes document control, an executive assessment, scope, coverage, environment context, a findings register, repeatable finding details and remediation tracking.
The PDF is exported from a populated demonstration report saved in Vulnotes. It includes client details, technical findings, evidence figures, CVSS scoring where applicable, severity charts, owners and retest criteria. Download the reusable template from Vulnotes Manager to use its layout and variables with your own report data.
Kubernetes & Containers Assessment: scope, evidence and references
The guidance below describes how to scope and document the work. It does not imply that every topic is covered by the sample PDF. Record the reference editions used in your own engagement.
Define the platform layers under review
Record cluster distribution and version, hosting model, namespaces, workloads, node ownership, registries and relevant admission components. Separate managed control-plane responsibilities from customer-managed workload and node configuration. An image review is not a cluster assessment, and a manifest review is not runtime verification.
Associate evidence with cluster, namespace, resource kind and name, collection date and deployed image digest where available. Note the difference between repository manifests, admitted pod specifications and running state. Those differences matter when defaults or admission policies change the submitted configuration.
Check whether declared safeguards are effective
Kubernetes Pod Security Standards define Privileged, Baseline and Restricted profiles. An assessment should distinguish the selected profile from the admission mode and version applied to a namespace. An audit or warning result is not the same evidence as enforcement.
NetworkPolicy objects require a networking implementation that enforces them. Record the plugin and the reviewed traffic boundaries; object presence alone is not isolation evidence. Likewise, a resource budget observation should state the effective workload settings and namespace defaults rather than reading one manifest field in isolation.
Keep platform findings actionable
Use the Kubernetes security checklist as a starting point, not an exhaustive assurance standard. Agree coverage for authorization, workload privileges, secrets handling, network controls, logging and software supply chain concerns. State unreviewed host and provider responsibilities.
Separate the configuration correction from validation of application compatibility. Record the owning team, rollout boundary and expected evidence after deployment. Keep workload, cluster and provider responsibilities distinct when documenting coverage.
Inside this example report
The 17-page PDF shows how the report is organized. Its example content illustrates the layout; adapt it to the scope and evidence of your own engagement.
- 01
Document control and executive assessment
Identify the issue, recipients, supported conclusion, priorities and verified strengths.
- 02
Scope and coverage
List cluster versions, managed-service boundaries, namespaces, workloads and image registries.
- 03
Environment and evidence
Record the cluster, namespace, workload and configuration source. Distinguish desired settings from running configuration.
- 04
Findings and remediation
Document observations, impact, correction, owner and acceptance evidence. Finding pages repeat from report findings.
- 05
Retest and limitations
Record retest results, scoring methodology, assumptions and residual uncertainty.
Make the report useful to its readers
Record actual coverage
Distinguish verified controls, observed gaps, untested areas and justified exclusions.
Keep the evidence traceable
Record the cluster, namespace, workload and configuration source. Distinguish desired settings from running configuration.
Personalize before delivery
Replace completion guidance and sample rows, enter the assessment provider, review dates and recipient list, and inspect the final export.
Make it your own in Vulnotes
- 1
Download your template from Vulnotes Manager
Sign in to Vulnotes Manager, download this template and add it to your instance. Select it when creating a report to reuse its layout, report variables and finding sections. The public PDF shows an example of the finished output.
- 2
Let Vulnotes fill the connected variables
The template includes variables connected to your report: client details, engagement dates, findings and severity statistics where used. Vulnotes fills these from the data saved in your report. Add your findings and complete assessment-specific sections such as scope, analysis and conclusions; automatic population does not replace that work. Match the finding fields and categories expected by the template.
- 3
Edit the structure and visual design
Change page layout, orientation, margins, fonts, colors, branding, headers and footers in the template editor. Edit or replace tables, chart settings, images, code blocks and section labels. Heading numbering and the table of contents can be adapted to your delivery conventions. Text embedded inside an image must be changed in the source image or replaced.
- 4
Adapt the data bindings
Report variables hold engagement-specific content. Finding loops and filters control repeatable sections; charts and score tables can use report data. Review these bindings when renaming fields or changing the finding structure. Individually authored slide summaries still need editorial updates when findings change.
- 5
Write, review and deliver
Create your report with its client, scope and dates. Replace the example content, add your findings, review the preview and export the finished document.
Common questions
What does the download contain?
A reusable English template from Vulnotes Manager, including its document layout, styling and report variables. Vulnotes fills connected variables from your report data; complete the assessment-specific sections and use the finding fields expected by the template.
Can I use the PDF as an audit result?
No. This is a sample deliverable. Complete the reusable template with your engagement scope, evidence and review decisions before client delivery.
Does the template establish compliance?
No. Record the reference versions, actual coverage, evidence and exclusions applicable to your engagement. A reference mapping alone does not establish compliance.
What export formats are available in Vulnotes?
Vulnotes exports reports as PDF, editable Word documents (DOCX), Excel spreadsheets (XLSX), structured report data (JSON), and ZIP archives containing the report PDF and attachments, with optional password protection. XLSX lets you select finding fields and report content sections. You can also export selected findings as a partial PDF or DOCX report. The client portal additionally offers CSV exports of findings when enabled by the administrator. Read the export documentation.