Microsoft has warned that using ready-made templates like default Helm charts when setting up Kubernetes can lead to mistakes and expose important data.
Although these plug-and-play tools make setup faster, they often focus more on convenience than security. Because of this, many apps are set up with weak settings by default, which can expose sensitive data, cloud systems, or even the whole environment to hackers.
Helm is a tool used with Kubernetes that helps developers bundle, set up, and launch apps easily. It uses something called”charts” which are set up files written in YAML to describe what the app needs to run on Kubernetes.
Microsoft warned that many open-source projects come with ready-made setup files or Helm charts that are made to be easy to use, but they don’t always focus on security. This can lead to two major problems:
- Apps might be exposed to the internet without proper protection.
- They often don’t include strong login or access controls by default.
If organization use these projects without checking the YAML setup files and Helm charts, they could accidentally exposedangerous if the app can access sensitive data or perform important actions.
Here are some examples of projects that could put Kubernetes systems at risk:
Apache Pinot: This app exposes its main components to the internet without any login protection by default, which could allow attackers to access it.
Meshery: It shows the app’s interface through an external IP address, letting anyone access it, create new user accounts, and deploy harmful code.
Selenium Grid: It opens a specific port on every node in the Kubernetes system, relying on external firewall rules for protection, which may not be enough to keep attackers out.
To reduce the risk of these misconfigurations, it’s important to review and update the settings according to security bestpractices. Regularly check public-facing interfaces and monitor running containers for suspicious or malicious activity.
Researchers pointed out that many real-world attacks on containerized apps happen because of misconfigurations, especially when default settings are used. Using these “default for convenience” setups can create serious security risks.
