Suspicious Kubernetes API Exposure via kubectl proxy

ATT&CK techniques

Initial Access

Recon
Resource Dev
Initial Access
- T1190Exploit Public-Facing Application
Execution
Persistence
Priv Esc
Defense Evasion
Cred Access
Discovery
Lateral Movement
Collection
C2
Exfiltration
Impact

What it detects

This rule detects kubectl proxy being launched with a listening port which exposes the Kubernetes API server through an unauthenticated local proxy. Wiz identifies this as a control plane initial access vector because the proxy forwards requests using the operator credentials without further authentication. This is important because binding the proxy to a reachable interface can hand full authenticated API access to anyone who can connect to that port.

Reporting behind it

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Suspicious Kubernetes API Exposure via kubectl proxy

Pivot detection · T1190 · 9 related

Detection content is published as a reviewed draft. Tune thresholds and exclusions against your own telemetry before enabling this rule for alerting.

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