Analytics Story: Abnormal Kubernetes Behavior using Splunk Infrastructure Monitoring

Description

Kubernetes, a complex container orchestration system, is susceptible to a variety of security threats. This story delves into the different strategies and methods adversaries employ to exploit Kubernetes environments. These include attacks on the control plane, exploitation of misconfigurations, and breaches of containerized applications. Observability data, such as metrics, play a crucial role in identifying abnormal and potentially malicious behavior within these environments.

Why it matters

Kubernetes, a complex container orchestration system, is a prime target for adversaries due to its widespread use and inherent complexity. This story focuses on the abnormal behavior within Kubernetes environments that can be indicative of security threats. Key areas of concern include the control plane, worker nodes, and network communication, all of which can be exploited by attackers. Observability data, such as metrics, play a crucial role in identifying these abnormal behaviors. These behaviors could be a result of attacks on the control plane, exploitation of misconfigurations, or breaches of containerized applications. For instance, attackers may attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the Kubernetes API, misconfigured containers, or insecure network policies. The control plane, which manages cluster operations, is a prime target and its compromise can give attackers control over the entire cluster. Worker nodes, which run the containerized applications, can also be targeted to disrupt services or to gain access to sensitive data.

Detections

Data Sources

References

• https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/security/
• https://splunkbase.splunk.com/app/5247

Source: GitHub | Version: 1