Source: trustedsec.com
You Should Know:
Kubernetes (K8s) is a powerful container orchestration platform widely used in cloud environments. As a pentester, understanding Kubernetes exploitation techniques is crucial for assessing cluster security. Below are key commands, techniques, and steps for Kubernetes penetration testing.
1. Reconnaissance
- List all available pods:
kubectl get pods --all-namespaces
- Check for misconfigured permissions:
kubectl auth can-i --list
- Extract secrets from a pod:
kubectl get secrets -o yaml
2. Exploiting Misconfigurations
- If `kubelet` is exposed, dump cluster info:
curl -k https://<node-ip>:10250/pods
- Escalate privileges via vulnerable pods:
kubectl exec -it <pod-name> -- /bin/sh
3. Post-Exploitation
- Steal service account tokens:
cat /var/run/secrets/kubernetes.io/serviceaccount/token
- Pivot using compromised tokens:
kubectl --token=<stolen-token> get nodes
4. Defense Evasion
- Delete logs to cover tracks:
kubectl delete pod <log-pod> --grace-period=0 --force
What Undercode Say
Kubernetes security is often overlooked, leaving clusters vulnerable to attackers. Key risks include exposed dashboards, weak RBAC policies, and default service accounts with excessive permissions. Always audit:
– RBAC roles (kubectl get roles).
– Network policies (kubectl get networkpolicies).
– Pod security policies (kubectl get psp).
For hardening:
- Disable anonymous access (
--anonymous-auth=false). - Enable PodSecurity admission controller.
- Monitor `kube-apiserver` logs for suspicious activity.
Expected Output:
A compromised Kubernetes cluster can lead to full cloud takeover. Pentesters must master commands like kubectl, curl, and exploit tools like kube-hunter. Future attacks may target serverless integrations (e.g., Knative) or AI-driven orchestration.
Prediction
Kubernetes attacks will rise as more enterprises adopt cloud-native setups, with attackers leveraging AI-powered fuzzing to find zero-day bugs in kube-apiserver.
For the full guide, visit trustedsec.com.
References:
Reported By: Florian Hansemann – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
