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Linux Capabilities - CI/CD Glossary Definition

Linux capabilities split the privileges of root into distinct units (such as CAP_NET_BIND_SERVICE or CAP_SYS_ADMIN) that can be granted or dropped individually. Container runtimes drop most capabilities by default.

Least privilege

Instead of running a container as full root, grant only the specific capability a task needs. Dropping unused capabilities with --cap-drop shrinks the attack surface of CI build containers.

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