# analyzing-kubernetes-audit-logs

> Parses Kubernetes API server audit logs (JSON lines) to detect exec-into-pod, secret access, RBAC modifications, privileged pod creation, and anonymous API access. Builds threat detection rules from audit event patterns.

- Skill: `mukul975/analyzing-kubernetes-audit-logs` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 4 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add mukul975/analyzing-kubernetes-audit-logs`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/mukul975/analyzing-kubernetes-audit-logs/raw
- Safety review: CAUTION (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Security, DevOps & Infra, Incident Response, Vulnerability Scanning
- Tags: Audit Logs, Kubernetes, Privileged Pods, Python, Rbac, Secret Access, Threat Detection
- License: Apache-2.0
- Author: mukul975 (https://skillmd.com/u/mukul975)
- Updated: 2026-07-06
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/mukul975/analyzing-kubernetes-audit-logs

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# Analyzing Kubernetes Audit Logs


## When to Use

- When investigating security incidents that require analyzing kubernetes audit logs
- When building detection rules or threat hunting queries for this domain
- When SOC analysts need structured procedures for this analysis type
- When validating security monitoring coverage for related attack techniques

## Prerequisites

- Familiarity with container security concepts and tools
- Access to a test or lab environment for safe execution
- Python 3.8+ with required dependencies installed
- Appropriate authorization for any testing activities

## Instructions

Parse Kubernetes audit log files (JSON lines format) to detect security-relevant
events including unauthorized access, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration.

```python
import json

with open("/var/log/kubernetes/audit.log") as f:
    for line in f:
        event = json.loads(line)
        verb = event.get("verb")
        resource = event.get("objectRef", {}).get("resource")
        user = event.get("user", {}).get("username")
        if verb == "create" and resource == "pods/exec":
            print(f"Pod exec by {user}")
```

Key events to detect:
1. pods/exec and pods/attach (shell into containers)
2. secrets access (get/list/watch)
3. clusterrolebindings creation (RBAC escalation)
4. Privileged pod creation
5. Anonymous or system:unauthenticated access

## Examples

```python
# Detect secret enumeration
if verb in ("get", "list") and resource == "secrets":
    print(f"Secret access: {user} -> {event['objectRef'].get('name')}")
```