Large-Scale Campaign Exploits Kubernetes RBAC for Cryptocurrency Mining

In a recently uncovered attack campaign, Kubernetes (K8s) Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) vulnerabilities have been exploited to establish backdoors and deploy cryptocurrency miners. Cloud security firm Aqua reported that attackers utilized DaemonSets to commandeer resources within targeted K8s clusters. Dubbed “RBAC Buster,” the campaign has reportedly infiltrated 60 unprotected K8s clusters. The attack began with the exploitation of a misconfigured API server, followed by a search for competing miner malware, and the establishment of persistence through RBAC adjustments. Aqua noted that the attacker created a new ClusterRole with almost admin-level permissions and set up a ‘ServiceAccount’ named ‘kube-controller’ in the ‘kube-system’ namespace.

Kubernetes RBAC Vulnerability Exploited in Major Cryptocurrency Mining Campaign

On April 21, 2023, cybersecurity firm Aqua reported a large-scale attack exploiting Kubernetes (K8s) Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) to establish backdoors and execute cryptocurrency mining operations. This operation, named “RBAC Buster,” has targeted numerous Kubernetes clusters, leveraging misconfigurations to gain unauthorized access and hijack resources.

The attacker’s initial entry point was a misconfigured API server, a vulnerability that has plagued various organizations running Kubernetes environments. Following this, the attacker diligently searched for existing miner malware on the compromised server, ensuring that they could successfully implement their operations without interference. Utilizing RBAC, they proceeded to establish persistence within the system, a crucial step that allowed them to maintain control over the compromised infrastructure.

Aqua’s investigation revealed that approximately 60 K8s clusters had been compromised, underscoring the scale of this campaign. The attacker created a new ClusterRole that endowed them with privileges nearly equivalent to those of an administrator. To facilitate their operations, they also created a ‘ServiceAccount,’ named ‘kube-controller,’ within the ‘kube-system’ namespace. This strategic maneuver served to reinforce their presence within the affected clusters.

The attack highlights a growing trend in cyber threats, particularly the exploitation of cloud-native technologies like Kubernetes. Business owners must recognize that the use of RBAC, if not configured correctly, can lead to significant security lapses. In this case, the attackers capitalized on vulnerabilities in access control to perpetrate their illicit activities.

According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, several tactics and techniques were likely employed during this attack. Initial access through misconfiguration aligns with techniques such as “Exploitation of Remote Services” and “Valid Accounts.” The persistence established via RBAC corresponds to “Account Manipulation,” which enables adversaries to maintain their foothold within compromised systems. Additionally, the privilege escalation achieved through creating a new ClusterRole indicates a strategic exploitation of cloud security configurations.

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the necessity for robust identity and access management practices becomes increasingly paramount. Organizations utilizing Kubernetes must rigorously audit their RBAC settings and remain vigilant against potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of comprehensive security measures in safeguarding cloud environments against emerging threats.

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