Kubernetes Attack Vectors

Kubernetes security threats arise from misconfigurations, weak access controls, and unprotected workloads. Attackers exploit these vulnerabilities to escalate privileges, move laterally, and compromise clusters.

This section explores common Kubernetes attack vectors and exploitation techniques used by attackers to compromise clusters.

Attack Vector Categories

API and Control Plane Attacks

• Compromised API Server: Exploiting exposed API endpoints
• Exposed Dashboard: Unauthorized access to Kubernetes dashboards
• Unrestricted etcd Access: Accessing etcd storage to retrieve secrets and cluster configurations

Container and Runtime Attacks

• Privileged Container Escape: Breaking out of containers to gain host access
• Unrestricted HostPath Mounts: Mounting host filesystem for full node compromise
• Compromised Sidecars: Injecting or abusing sidecars to intercept data

Identity and Access Attacks

• Insecure RBAC Permissions: Exploiting misconfigured Role-Based Access Control
• Privileged Service Accounts: Overprivileged service accounts enabling escalation
• Service Account Token Abuse: Exploiting service account tokens for privilege escalation
• Exec/Attach Credential Theft: Using kubectl exec to extract credentials

Network Attacks

• Lack of Network Policies: Lateral movement within the cluster
• Ingress/Egress Traffic Hijacking: Manipulating network traffic flow
• Exposed Kubelet API: Unauthorized access to Kubelet APIs

Secrets and Data Attacks

• Insecure Secrets Management: Leaking secrets due to weak storage
• ImagePullSecrets Theft: Extracting container registry credentials

Supply Chain Attacks

• Supply Chain Attacks: Injecting malicious code into images or CI/CD pipelines
• Compromised Helm Charts: Installing malicious Helm charts with backdoors
• Exploiting Insecure CSI Drivers: Abusing storage drivers to access volumes

Cloud Infrastructure Attacks

• Cloud Metadata Service Abuse: Stealing cloud IAM credentials via IMDS from pods

Policy and Configuration Attacks

• Misconfigured Admission Controllers: Bypassing security policies via webhook exploitation
• Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: Exhausting cluster resources

Each article provides step-by-step exploitation techniques, real-world risks, and a link to the corresponding mitigation guide to help you harden your Kubernetes environments.

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Security Warning

Educational Content Only

The information and scripts in this section are intended for educational and security research purposes only. They demonstrate how attackers exploit misconfigurations and vulnerabilities in Kubernetes clusters.

Do not run these techniques on production systems or unauthorized environments.

Use this content only in controlled, isolated testing environments where you have explicit permission. Misuse may violate company policies or legal regulations.

You are responsible for how you use this information.