/analyzing-kubernetes-audit-logs

name: analyzing-kubernetes-audit-logs
description: 'Parses Kubernetes API server audit logs (JSON lines) to detect exec-into-pod, secret access, RBAC modifications,
  privileged pod creation, and anonymous API access. Builds threat detection rules from audit event patterns. Use when investigating
  Kubernetes cluster compromise or building k8s-specific SIEM detection rules.

  '
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: container-security
tags:
- analyzing
- kubernetes
- audit
- logs
version: '1.0'
author: mahipal
license: Apache-2.0
nist_csf:
- PR.PS-01
- PR.IR-01
- ID.AM-08
- DE.CM-01

Analyzing Kubernetes Audit Logs

When to Use

• When investigating security incidents that require analyzing kubernetes audit logs
• When building detection rules or threat hunting queries for this domain
• When SOC analysts need structured procedures for this analysis type
• When validating security monitoring coverage for related attack techniques

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with container security concepts and tools
• Access to a test or lab environment for safe execution
• Python 3.8+ with required dependencies installed
• Appropriate authorization for any testing activities

Instructions

Parse Kubernetes audit log files (JSON lines format) to detect security-relevant events including unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration.

import json

with open("/var/log/kubernetes/audit.log") as f:
    for line in f:
        event = json.loads(line)
        verb = event.get("verb")
        resource = event.get("objectRef", {}).get("resource")
        user = event.get("user", {}).get("username")
        if verb == "create" and resource == "pods/exec":
            print(f"Pod exec by {user}")

Key events to detect: 1. pods/exec and pods/attach (shell into containers) 2. secrets access (get/list/watch) 3. clusterrolebindings creation (RBAC escalation) 4. Privileged pod creation 5. Anonymous or system:unauthenticated access

Examples

# Detect secret enumeration
if verb in ("get", "list") and resource == "secrets":
    print(f"Secret access: {user} -> {event['objectRef'].get('name')}")