Suspicious access to Kubernetes API with kubelet credentials

Cortex XSIAM Analytics Alert Reference by Alert name
Product
Cortex XSIAM
Last date published
2026-03-01
Category
Analytics Alert Reference
Index by
Alert name

Synopsis

Activation Period

14 Days

Training Period

30 Days

Test Period

10 Minutes

Deduplication Period

1 Day

Required Data

  • Requires:
    • XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)

Detection Modules

Cloud

Detector Tags

Cloud Data Asset Exfiltration, Data Detection & Response

ATT&CK Tactic

ATT&CK Technique

Severity

Low

Description

A combination of signals has been detected indicating that kubelet credentials were used inside a pod to access the Kubernetes API. This activity suggests an attempt to escalate privileges or move laterally within the cluster.

Attacker's Goals

Usage of the Kubernetes API server to perform operations inside the cluster.

Investigative actions

Check if there is an active attack against the Kubernetes cluster.

Variations

Suspicious access to Kubernetes API with kubelet credentials from unusual pod

Synopsis

ATT&CK Tactic

ATT&CK Technique

Severity

Medium

Description

A combination of signals has been detected indicating that kubelet credentials were used inside a pod to access the Kubernetes API. This activity suggests an attempt to escalate privileges or move laterally within the cluster.

Attacker's Goals

Usage of the Kubernetes API server to perform operations inside the cluster.

Investigative actions

Check if there is an active attack against the Kubernetes cluster.