> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/analytics-alerts/alerts-by-name/suspicious-access-to-kubernetes-api-with-kubelet-credentials.md).

# Suspicious access to Kubernetes API with kubelet credentials

### Synopsis

| Field                | Value                                                           |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Activation Period    | 14 Days                                                         |
| Training Period      | 30 Days                                                         |
| Test Period          | 10 Minutes                                                      |
| Deduplication Period | 1 Day                                                           |
| Required Data        | XDR Agent with eXtended Threat Hunting (XTH)                    |
| Detection Modules    | Cloud                                                           |
| Detector Tags        | Cloud Data Asset Exfiltration, Data Detection & Response        |
| ATT\&CK Tactic       | Exfiltration (TA0010), Collection (TA0009)                      |
| ATT\&CK Technique    | Data from Cloud Storage (T1530), Automated Exfiltration (T1020) |
| 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

<details>

<summary>Suspicious access to Kubernetes API with kubelet credentials from unusual pod</summary>

**Synopsis**

| Field             | Value                                                           |
| ----------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| ATT\&CK Tactic    | Exfiltration (TA0010), Collection (TA0009)                      |
| ATT\&CK Technique | Data from Cloud Storage (T1530), Automated Exfiltration (T1020) |
| 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.

</details>


---

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