KubePwn

Kubernetes has become the backbone of modern cloud-native applications, but it is also a high-value target for attackers. As organizations rapidly adopt containers, service meshes, and automation, securing Kubernetes clusters has become an active security battle.

This book takes a hands-on, end-to-end approach to Kubernetes security. It begins by exploring real-world attack surfaces, guiding readers through container enumeration, RBAC abuse, and cluster takeover techniques. The focus then shifts to defense, covering Kubernetes audit log analysis, runtime detection, monitoring with Prometheus, and incident response. From an offensive perspective, you will learn to scan exposed services, deliver reverse shell payloads, and enumerate internal cluster metadata. Switching to defensive operations, you will conduct threat hunting using API audit logs, correlate runtime telemetry to reconstruct incident kill chains, and run automated tools. Each chapter is built around practical demonstrations that mirror how attacks and detections occur in real environments.

By the end of this book, readers will gain real-world proficiency in both offensive cluster exploitation and defensive forensic analysis in Kubernetes environments. They will be able to identify and exploit common weaknesses, detect malicious behavior, and design Kubernetes clusters.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
● Exploit real Kubernetes misconfigurations used in production attacks.
● Perform container enumeration, breakout, and cluster escalation techniques.
● Detect attacks using audit logs and runtime security tools.
● Hunt threats with Falco, Sysdig, Prometheus, and SIEM.
● Analyze network traffic for lateral movement and data exfiltration.
● Reconstruct Kubernetes attack kill chains and respond effectively.

WHO THIS BOOK IS FOR
This book is for security engineers, DevSecOps practitioners, Kubernetes administrators, red teamers, and SOC analysts securing cloud-native environments. Readers should possess basic Linux administration skills, familiarity with Docker container fundamentals, and a foundational understanding of networking concepts and kubectl command-line usage.

1. Introduction to KubePwn Labs
2. Learning Kubernetes Architecture
3. KubePwn Lab Setup
4. Infiltrating Kubernetes Cluster
5. Enumerating Kubernetes like a Pro
6. Privilege Escalation to Cluster Takeover
7. Threat Hunting and Forensics
8. Identifying Misconfigurations in K8s Cluster

Deepanshu Khanna is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over ten years of experience, the author specializes in full-spectrum Red Team operations and adversary simulation across on-premises, cloud (AWS/Azure), and OT/ICS environments. With deep expertise in crafting advanced attack scenarios including custom malware and ransomware designed to evade modern EDR and next-generation defenses the author brings a practical, real-world perspective to offensive security. On the defensive side, they lead cyber threat hunting initiatives leveraging SIEM, EDR, and network telemetry, while also designing automated incident response playbooks using SOAR platforms and Python. Their work extends to architecting Zero Trust security models and embedding DevSecOps practices into CI/CD pipelines through SAST, SCA, and IaC integrations.


Recognized and appreciated by Indian Defense and the Ministry of Home Affairs, the author is also an active contributor to the global cybersecurity community. They have spoken at prominent international conferences such as DEFCON, OWASP, ToorCon, and HATCon, presenting research on topics including MD5 collisions and buffer overflows. In addition to authoring two books—Digital Forensics and Incident Response and Network Protocols for Security Professionals, with over 18 research papers published in leading cybersecurity magazines such as Pentestmag, Hackin9, and eForensics. Their hands-on projects include KubePwn, a real-world Kubernetes red team simulation lab, as well as advanced labs focused on malware analysis, cyber threat intelligence, and container forensics. Through their work, the author continues to bridge the gap between offensive and defensive security, contributing to the advancement of modern cybersecurity practices.