Kubernetes nodes/proxy GET vulnerability risks cluster security in regulated clouds

The Kubernetes telemetry feature allows privileged commands from read-only roles, urging strict RBAC audits, network segmentation, and readiness for KEP-2862 to ensure PCI, GDPR, and NIS2 compliance in multi-cloud environments.

Bogdan Dumitrache · CEO at LoG Soft Grup Feb 10, 2026 6 min read

In brief

Kubernetes nodes/proxy GET vulnerability enables privileged commands from read-only roles, risking cluster security in regulated multi-cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and VMware.
The issue demands immediate RBAC audits, network segmentation, and workload isolation to protect sensitive applications under PCI, GDPR, and NIS2 regulations.
KEP-2862 adoption, expected in Kubernetes 1.36, will provide fine-grained Kubelet API authorization, essential for compliance and minimizing attack surfaces.
LoG Soft Grup’s advisory aligns with controlled infrastructure, Terraform automation, and multi-cloud governance, supporting Romanian and EU clients in regulated sectors.
Services such as NIS2 Readiness Sprint and Bill Autopsy can help organizations assess exposure and fortify Kubernetes telemetry controls cost-effectively and securely.

The problem

The recently identified Kubernetes nodes/proxy GET vulnerability exposes a critical risk where read-only permissions can be exploited to execute privileged commands across clusters, threatening the integrity of regulated multi-cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, and VMware. This issue is particularly urgent for organizations subject to PCI, GDPR, and NIS2 regulations, as it undermines established security controls and complicates compliance efforts. Immediate actions including RBAC policy audits, network segmentation, and workload isolation are necessary to mitigate potential breaches until the anticipated KEP-2862 fine-grained authorization framework is adopted. LoG Soft Grup’s disciplined approach to secure, compliant multi-cloud infrastructure—leveraging Terraform automation and stringent documentation—positions it to support Romanian and EU stakeholders in navigating these evolving Kubernetes security challenges with measured, regulation-aligned solutions.

Why this happens

The root cause of this Kubernetes vulnerability lies in the design choice treating the nodes/proxy GET API call as a feature rather than a security flaw, allowing users with seemingly read-only permissions to execute privileged commands via the Kubelet’s internal API. This mismatch between Websockets handling and authorization logic creates a critical security gap, exacerbated by monitoring tools’ reliance on this call, which is widespread across multi-cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and VMware. A common misconception is that read-only RBAC roles inherently limit access, but in this case, they grant unintended privilege escalation, highlighting the need for rigorous RBAC audits and network segmentation to restrict access to Kubelet port 10250. From a regulated-industry perspective, particularly under PCI, GDPR, and NIS2 frameworks applicable in Romania and the EU, this vulnerability challenges compliance by enabling unauthorized command execution without audit trails, complicating incident response and governance. The lack of fine-grained Kubelet API authorization until the upcoming KEP-2862 release means organizations must proactively enforce workload isolation and restrict monitoring tool permissions. LoG Soft Grup’s approach—emphasizing Terraform/Terragrunt-driven infrastructure as code, strict RBAC policy enforcement, and comprehensive documentation—aligns with these requirements, supporting clients in maintaining secure, compliant multi-cloud Kubernetes deployments while managing FinOps pressures and minimizing operational risk.

Framework

Immediate RBAC Policy Audits

Conduct thorough audits of Kubernetes RBAC policies focusing on nodes/proxy GET permissions to identify and remediate over-privileged roles. This action reduces the risk of privilege escalation and aligns with PCI, GDPR, and NIS2 compliance requirements in regulated multi-cloud environments.

Network Segmentation and Access Controls

Implement strict network segmentation to restrict access to the Kubelet API port 10250, limiting exposure to potential exploits from monitoring tools or compromised service accounts. LoG Soft Grup’s expertise in multi-cloud security and Terraform automation supports robust enforcement across AWS, Azure, and VMware platforms.

Prepare for KEP-2862 Adoption

Plan and execute migration strategies for Kubernetes clusters to adopt the upcoming KEP-2862 fine-grained Kubelet API authorization feature. This proactive step is essential for minimizing attack surfaces and maintaining compliance with evolving regulatory standards in Romania and the EU.

Workload Isolation for Blast Radius Reduction

Architect Kubernetes deployments with workload isolation technologies to contain potential compromises, especially for sensitive AI, financial, and healthcare applications. This systems-thinking approach cross-links security, compliance, and operational resilience, mitigating risks inherent in modern telemetry features.

Capability Building Through Runbooks and Knowledge Transfer

Develop and maintain detailed runbooks and conduct knowledge transfer sessions focused on secure RBAC management, incident response, and Kubernetes telemetry controls. LoG Soft Grup’s capability builder approach ensures client teams gain ownership and operational readiness for evolving security challenges.

Cost-Effective Security and Compliance Advisory

Leverage LoG Soft Grup’s specialized services such as NIS2 Readiness Sprint and Bill Autopsy to assess Kubernetes telemetry exposure and optimize security investments. This pragmatic, expertise-forward advisory supports regulated organizations in balancing FinOps objectives with stringent compliance mandates.

How to get started

Audit Kubernetes RBAC policies for nodes/proxy GET permissions to identify over-privileged roles.
Implement network segmentation restricting access to Kubelet port 10250 across AWS, Azure, and VMware clouds.
Plan and prepare Terraform-driven migration to KEP-2862 fine-grained Kubelet API authorization.
Architect workload isolation to limit blast radius for sensitive AI, financial, and healthcare applications.
Develop runbooks and conduct knowledge transfer on secure RBAC and telemetry controls for operational readiness.

Risks & trade-offs

Unmanaged multi-cloud complexity leading to inconsistent RBAC policies across AWS, Azure, and VMware environments.: Increased likelihood of over-privileged roles such as nodes/proxy GET permissions, exposing clusters to privilege escalation and non-compliance with PCI, GDPR, and NIS2 regulations.

Terraform/Terragrunt drift causing configuration inconsistencies and unauthorized permission changes in Kubernetes clusters.: Potential introduction of vulnerabilities like the nodes/proxy GET permission misuse, undermining cluster security and complicating auditability and incident response.

Rising cloud spend without integrated FinOps practices during remediation and isolation efforts.: Uncontrolled costs from redundant resources or overly restrictive network segmentation, reducing operational efficiency and budget predictability in regulated multi-cloud setups.

Weak PCI, GDPR, and NIS2 compliance posture due to insufficient RBAC auditing and lack of fine-grained Kubelet API authorization.: Regulatory penalties, increased risk of data breaches, and compromised ability to demonstrate governance and control over sensitive workloads in Kubernetes environments.

Brittle AI infrastructure and other sensitive workloads exposed by inadequate workload isolation and monitoring tool permissions.: Expanded blast radius in case of compromise, leading to potential data loss, service disruption, and erosion of trust in regulated industry applications.

Strategic zoom-out

The Kubernetes nodes/proxy GET vulnerability reinforces the imperative for regulated-industry organizations operating multi-cloud environments to rigorously enforce RBAC policy audits, network segmentation, and workload isolation as foundational security controls, all within the guardrails of PCI, GDPR, and NIS2 compliance. From a strategic perspective, this incident highlights the necessity of integrating Terraform and Terragrunt lifecycle management to maintain consistent, auditable infrastructure configurations that prevent privilege escalation risks and reduce drift across AWS, Azure, and VMware platforms. Preparing for the adoption of KEP-2862’s fine-grained Kubelet API authorization is essential to future-proof governance frameworks and minimize operational exposure. Additionally, embedding FinOps discipline ensures that security enhancements and isolation measures align with budgetary constraints without compromising compliance or AI infrastructure readiness. LoG Soft Grup’s focused advisory engagements, delivered from Romania and the EU, emphasize principled, measurable outcomes through controlled multi-cloud architectures, comprehensive documentation, and knowledge transfer, enabling clients to navigate evolving Kubernetes telemetry risks pragmatically without pursuing expansive rollouts.

Next steps we recommend

For organizations navigating the complexities of Kubernetes security in regulated multi-cloud environments, LoG Soft Grup offers focused support through its NIS2 Readiness Sprint and Terraform/Terragrunt rescue services, helping to audit RBAC policies and enforce network segmentation with precision and compliance in mind.

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