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KubeLinter

docs.kubelinter.io

Free plan macOSLinuxSelf-hosted
Visit docs.kubelinter.io
Spec score 7.6 #14 of 25 in Infrastructure Policy as Code Tools

What it is

KubeLinter analyzes Kubernetes YAML, Helm charts, and Kustomize manifests for configuration practices related to security and production readiness. Its default checks flag issues such as containers running as root, insufficiently limited privileges, and sensitive data stored outside secrets. Teams can turn checks on or off and define custom checks to reflect their own policies, using YAML configuration and CEL expressions. It can lint individual Kubernetes YAML files or Helm and Kustomize directories. Failed checks include remediation recommendations and produce a non-zero exit code, which can make them useful in automated workflows. Results can be written as plain text, JSON, or SARIF, including more than one format in a run. The project documents integrations with pre-commit hooks and GitHub Actions, plus installation through Go, release binaries, package managers, nix-shell, or Docker. It runs on Linux, macOS, or in a self-hosted setup. KubeLinter is free under Apache License 2.0; its documentation notes that commands, flags, and configuration formats may change.

Spec sheet

What it does
KubeLinter statically analyzes Kubernetes YAML, Helm charts, and Kustomize manifests for best practices, production readiness, and security.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
The project documents use with pre-commit hooks, a Docker-based pre-commit hook, and a GitHub Action for CI.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
KubeLinter is licensed under the Apache License 2.0.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Maker
The repository says KubeLinter was created by StackRox and is now powered by Red Hat.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Custom policies
Users can enable or disable checks and create custom checks to match organizational policies.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Default checks
Its default checks cover issues such as running containers as non-root, enforcing least privilege, and storing sensitive information only in secrets.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Findings
When a lint check fails, KubeLinter reports remediation recommendations and returns a non-zero exit code.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Image verification
KubeLinter container images are signed with cosign, and the project provides a public key for verification.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Input types
KubeLinter can lint Kubernetes YAML files, Helm chart directories, and Kustomize directories.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
The project documents installation using Go, release binaries, Homebrew or LinuxBrew, nix-shell, and Docker.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Notable limitation
The project notes that command usage, flags, and configuration file formats may change in the future.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Report formats
It supports plain text, JSON, and SARIF output, including writing multiple formats in one run.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security reporting
The security policy directs people reporting vulnerabilities to Red Hat's Product Security team for confidential disclosure.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support and community
The project points users to its Slack workspace to engage with maintainers and other users.Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

KubeLinter Free Apache License 2.0 Read 5 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every KubeLinter plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Checks Kubernetes YAML, Helm, and Kustomize inputs
  • Custom checks support organizational policies
  • Failed checks include remediation recommendations
  • Can emit multiple report formats in one run
  • Free under Apache License 2.0

Limits

  • Commands, flags, and configuration formats may change

Who it suits

KubeLinter suits teams that maintain Kubernetes, Helm, or Kustomize configurations and want configurable checks in local or CI workflows. It also fits organizations that need findings in plain text, JSON, or SARIF.

Verdict

KubeLinter combines configurable Kubernetes configuration checks with report formats and CI integrations. Its stated potential for changes to commands, flags, and configuration formats is worth accounting for when building workflows around it.

Where Specifiction places it

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