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Syft

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

Containers · Beginner · Containers lane

BeginnerSBOM
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is Syft?

Syft generates SBOMs (Software Bill of Materials) for images and directories.

Inventory components for vuln scanning and compliance.

Official website: Syft · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Generate SBOMs for containers and directories.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Syft.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • Cloud security engineers
  • DevSecOps
  • Platform / SRE security

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install Syft using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
  2. Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
  3. Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
  4. Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
  5. Record what you ran, what you observed, and any follow-up (filter, report, remediation).

Help & manual (like man / --help)

Every serious tool has a built-in way to look up flags. Learn these first so you are not stuck memorizing every option.

  1. 1. Help

    syft --help

  2. 2. Repo

    https://github.com/anchore/syft

Kali Linux

Companion to Grype; install binary.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxCompanion to Grype; install binary.
brewbrew install syft

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. SBOM for project

    syft dir:. -o cyclonedx-json

    SBOM for project

  2. 2. Show help

    syft --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. 3. Short help

    syft -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

5. Useful features

  • CycloneDX/SPDX

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: SBOM for project

    syft dir:. -o cyclonedx-json

    SBOM for project

  2. Example 2: Show help

    syft --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. Example 3: Short help

    syft -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

7. Important notes

  • Foundation for supply-chain visibility.
  • Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
  • Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.

Related course: cloud security · devsecops · Commands: /commands#docker