Kubernetes and Cybersecurity Exploring the Kubernetes Attack Matrix
Kubernetes is a leading container management tool that automates container deployment and is growing in the open-source community. Many big companies, like Netflix, Amazon, and Uber, rely on it.
Let's look at its history.
In the past, companies often built applications as monolithic systems. This means they worked as one big unit: a single code base and usually a single executable deployed as a single component.
While this approach has its benefits, it can cause problems when one part of the application needed to scale. If one part needs scaling, the whole thing needed to be scaled with it, which isn’t efficient.
To fix this, many adopted microservices. This allows different parts of the application to scale independently. Netflix is a prime example. They needed to boost their streaming services during peak times while other services like billing didn’t need as much support.
Besides Netflix, other companies like Ebay and BestBuy also saw the benefits and shifted to microservices. To run these services, containers worked well since they are lightweight. However, managing thousands of containers required a new tool.
That’s where Kubernetes comes in.
Kubernetes is a container management tool that automates tasks like deploying and scaling containers. For instance, if a microservice gets busy, Kubernetes can add new containers to manage the workload. This automation has made Kubernetes essential for many companies today.
No matter the tech stack, Kubernetes can likely fit in, making it popular for creating scalable applications.
Exploiting Kubernetes
The MITRE ATT&CK matrix started with coverage for Windows and Linux and expanded on the various stages/methods that are involved in cyberattacks. Those matrices helped companies understand the attack surface in their environment and mitigations to the various risks.
Now, when it comes to security, Microsoft has developed a Kubernetes attack matrix. This matrix outlines various tactics hackers might use against container orchestration.
Initial Access: Attackers may use stolen cloud credentials to access vulnerable resources.
Execution: Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities to run their code in the cluster.
Persistence: Hackers use backdoor containers to maintain access.
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Privilege Escalation: If attackers can create privileged containers, they can access more resources.
Defense Evasion: Some may delete logs to hide their activities.
Credential Access: This involves stealing credentials from running applications or the cloud.
Discovery: Attackers can explore the environment through Kubernetes APIs.
Lateral Movement: Hackers may move from a compromised container to the cloud.
Impact: They may disrupt or destroy important data and resources.
Kubernetes has become crucial in both building and securing modern applications. But as more containers are deployed, your attack surface expands, meaning your ability to pinpoint which containers have vulnerabilities or misconfigurations becomes more challenging.
? What problems do you run into when managing security in Kubernetes? Comment below with your ideas!
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