Execution: Kubernetes Attack Tool Execution

This document describes a threat finding type in Security Command Center. Threat findings are generated by threat detectors when they detect a potential threat in your cloud resources. For a full list of available threat findings, see Threat findings index.

Overview

A Kubernetes attack tool was executed within the container. This indicates a potential attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the Kubernetes environment. Attackers often use these tools to escalate privileges, perform lateral movement, or compromise other resources within the cluster.

The severity of this finding is Critical. The execution of such tools suggests a deliberate attempt to gain control over Kubernetes components, such as the API server, nodes, or workloads. Attackers might use these tools to bypass security controls, manipulate configurations, or exfiltrate sensitive data.

Detection service

Cloud Run Threat Detection

How to respond

To respond to this finding, do the following:

Review finding details

  1. Open the Execution: Kubernetes Attack Tool Execution finding as directed in Reviewing findings. Review the details on the Summary and JSON tabs.

  2. On the Summary tab, review the information in the following sections:

    • What was detected, especially the following fields:
      • Program binary: the absolute path of the executed binary
      • Arguments: the arguments passed during binary execution
    • Affected resource, especially the following fields:

  3. On the JSON tab, note the following fields:

    • resource:
      • project_display_name: the name of the project that contains the affected Cloud Run resource
    • finding:
      • processes:
        • binary:
        • path: the full path of the executed binary
      • args: the arguments that were provided when the binary was executed

  4. Identify other findings that occurred at a similar time for the affected container. Related findings might indicate that this activity was malicious, instead of a failure to follow best practices.

  5. Review the settings of the affected container.

  6. Check the logs for the affected container.

Research attack and response methods

  1. Review MITRE ATT&CK framework entry for this finding type: Obtain Capabilities: Tool.
  2. To develop a response plan, combine your investigation results with MITRE research.

Implement your response

For response recommendations, see Respond to Cloud Run threat findings.

What's next