Profile Applicability:

  • Level 1

Description:

Ensure that the --encryption-provider-config argument is set to the correct configuration file path in the Kubernetes API server. This argument specifies the path to the encryption provider configuration file, which defines how sensitive data, such as secrets, is encrypted at rest within the cluster. Proper configuration of this argument ensures that the API server uses the appropriate encryption providers and keys for securing sensitive data.

Rationale:

The --encryption-provider-config argument configures the encryption of sensitive Kubernetes resources, such as secrets, ConfigMaps, and others, to ensure that they are securely encrypted at rest. Using strong encryption algorithms and securely managing encryption keys are essential for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the cluster’s sensitive data. Misconfiguration or missing encryption settings can expose sensitive data to unauthorized access, risking security breaches.

Impact:

Pros:

  • Ensures that sensitive data stored within the Kubernetes cluster is encrypted at rest, reducing the risk of data exposure.

  • Allows the use of strong encryption methods and secure key management practices, aligning with compliance standards.

Cons:

  • Misconfiguring the --encryption-provider-config argument could prevent the API server from properly encrypting sensitive data or lead to unauthorized access.

  • Requires careful management of encryption keys and configuration files.

Default Value:

By default, the --encryption-provider-config argument may not be set or may use a default configuration file. It needs to be manually configured to point to a secure and valid encryption provider configuration.

Pre-Requisites:

  • Access to the Kubernetes API server configuration.

  • A valid and secure encryption provider configuration file.

  • Sufficient privileges (root or administrator access) to modify the API server flags.

  • A Kubernetes environment with a proper encryption strategy for sensitive data.

Test Plan:

Using AWS Console:

  1. Sign in to the AWS Management Console.

  2. Open the Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS) console.

  3. Navigate to the "Clusters" section and locate your cluster.

  4. Review the settings for the --encryption-provider-config argument in the API server configuration.

  5. Ensure that the --encryption-provider-config argument is pointing to the correct configuration file path.

Using AWS CLI:

Retrieve the configuration for the Kubernetes API server:

kubectl get deployment -n kube-system kube-apiserver -o yaml

Check for the presence of the --encryption-provider-config argument in the API server arguments section:

- --encryption-provider-config=/etc/kubernetes/encryption-provider.yaml

  1. Ensure that the path specified for the encryption provider configuration file is correct and points to a valid file.

Implementation Plan:

Using AWS Console:

  1. Sign in to the AWS Management Console.

  2. Open the EKS service and navigate to your cluster.

  3. Review the cluster's configuration for the --encryption-provider-config argument.

  4. If the argument is missing or set incorrectly, update the API server configuration to point to the correct encryption provider configuration file:

     --encryption-provider-config=/etc/kubernetes/encryption-provider.yaml

    Save and apply the changes to the Kubernetes API server configuration.

Using AWS CLI:

Modify the API server deployment by adding or updating the --encryption-provider-config argument:

kubectl edit deployment -n kube-system kube-apiserver

  1. In the deployment YAML, locate the command section under the spec for the kube-apiserver container.

Add or update the following line to specify the correct encryption provider configuration file:

- --encryption-provider-config=/etc/kubernetes/encryption-provider.yaml

  1. Save and exit the editor to apply the changes.

Backout Plan:

Using AWS Console:

  1. Sign in to the AWS Console.

  2. Open the EKS service and navigate to your cluster.

  3. Locate the API server configuration.

  4. If necessary, revert the change by setting the --encryption-provider-config argument back to its previous value or restoring the default configuration.

  5. Save and apply the changes to the Kubernetes API server configuration.

Using AWS CLI:

To revert the change, edit the API server deployment to set the --encryption-provider-config argument back to its previous value:

kubectl edit deployment -n kube-system kube-apiserver

  1. Update the deployment YAML to include the previous value for the --encryption-provider-config argument.

  2. Save and exit the editor to apply the changes.

References: