A single weak pod can become cluster-admin. Our Kubernetes penetration testing assesses your clusters from both an external and in-cluster position, chaining container escapes, RBAC gaps and exposed components into realistic full-cluster compromise scenarios.
We test the control plane, workloads and supply chain together to show where a breach actually stops.
Our Kubernetes penetration testing assesses managed and self-hosted clusters (EKS, AKS, GKE and on-prem) from both an external and in-cluster position. Starting from a low-privileged workload, we chain container escapes, RBAC misconfiguration, exposed control-plane components and weak network policies into realistic pod-to-cluster-admin compromise. Findings map to the CIS Kubernetes Benchmark and MITRE ATT&CK for Containers, with clear guidance to break the escalation paths.
Why it matters
In Kubernetes, a single weak or over-privileged pod can be escalated to cluster-admin, exposing every workload and secret in the cluster. RBAC gaps, privileged containers and exposed control-plane components are common and high-impact.
Kubernetes penetration testing chains container escapes, RBAC misconfiguration and exposed components into realistic full-cluster compromise scenarios, showing exactly where a breach actually stops.
What we test
- Container escape & privileged pods
- RBAC & service-account misconfiguration
- Exposed API server, etcd & kubelet
- Pod-to-node-to-cluster-admin escalation
- Network policy & isolation gaps
- Image and admission-control weaknesses
Common vulnerabilities we uncover
- Container escape and privileged pods
- RBAC and service-account misconfiguration
- Exposed API server, etcd and kubelet
- Pod-to-node-to-cluster-admin escalation
- Missing network policies and isolation
- Weak image and admission controls
Our Kubernetes Penetration Testing methodology
- Scoping & rules of engagement. We agree objectives, targets and boundaries for your kubernetes penetration testing, so testing is safe, authorized and focused on what matters to your business.
- Reconnaissance & mapping. We enumerate the full attack surface in scope, building a complete picture before any exploitation begins.
- Manual exploitation. Our senior testers chain vulnerabilities by hand — going far beyond automated scanners — to prove real, demonstrable impact.
- Analysis & reporting. Every finding is triaged, risk-rated with CVSS and written up with a copy-paste reproduction and clear remediation.
- Remediation support & free retest. We support your team through the fixes and retest the remediated issues to confirm they are genuinely closed.
Tools & techniques
We test clusters from an in-cluster and external position using Kubernetes-specific tooling and manual exploitation. Starting from a low-privileged workload, we attempt container escapes, enumerate and abuse RBAC and service accounts, probe exposed API server, etcd and kubelet, and test network policies, mapping findings to the CIS Kubernetes Benchmark and MITRE ATT&CK for Containers.
When you need Kubernetes Penetration Testing
- For teams running production workloads on Kubernetes
- When RBAC, network policy or admission control is complex
- Before or after migrating to a managed Kubernetes service
- As part of a cloud-native security program
What you receive
- Cluster attack-path narrative
- Escalation PoCs with evidence
- RBAC and hardening recommendations
- Free retest of remediated clusters
What’s included in your report
Every kubernetes penetration testing engagement concludes with a comprehensive, board-ready report and a working session to walk your team through it. Your report includes:
- An executive summary with overall risk posture for non-technical stakeholders
- Detailed technical findings, each with a step-by-step, copy-paste reproduction
- CVSS v3.1 severity ratings and business-impact context for every issue
- Prioritized, actionable remediation guidance your engineers can apply directly
- A complimentary retest to confirm fixes and update finding status
- A formal attestation letter for customers, auditors and compliance programs
Standards & frameworks
CIS Kubernetes Benchmark
MITRE ATT&CK for Containers
NSA/CISA Kubernetes hardening
Outcomes you can expect
After your kubernetes penetration testing, you will have clear, evidence-based visibility into your real security risk — not a scanner’s guesswork. You will know exactly which weaknesses an attacker could exploit, what the business impact would be, and the precise steps to fix them in priority order. Teams use our findings to close critical gaps, satisfy customer and regulator security requirements, and demonstrate due diligence to their board. With a complimentary retest included, you also get documented proof that the issues are genuinely resolved.
Engagement details & logistics
Every kubernetes penetration testing starts with a short, no-obligation scoping call to understand your goals, environment and constraints, followed by a fixed-price proposal and a clear statement of work. Most engagements are delivered fully remotely, with on-site work arranged where it genuinely adds value. Throughout testing we maintain an agreed communication cadence and escalate any critical, high-impact finding to you immediately rather than waiting for the final report. All work is performed under a signed NDA with strict data-handling controls, using safe, non-disruptive techniques and carefully coordinated rules of engagement to protect your production systems. On completion you receive your report and a walkthrough session, followed by a complimentary retest once your fixes are in place. Typical engagements are booked one to three weeks in advance, and urgent or pre-deadline testing can often be accommodated — just ask at hi@agentoffense.com.
Why organizations choose AgentOffense for Kubernetes Penetration Testing
Our kubernetes penetration testing is delivered by senior offensive-security engineers who test the way real attackers do — manually, creatively and with a relentless focus on proving genuine, demonstrable impact. Here is what sets our engagements apart:
- Manual, exploit-driven testing that chains vulnerabilities the way a real attacker would, going far beyond what automated scanners can find.
- Reproducible proof for every finding, with copy-paste reproduction steps your engineers can follow and independently verify.
- Honest severity calibration so you invest in fixing what genuinely matters and avoid wasting effort on false positives and noise.
- Clear, business-focused reporting that speaks to engineers and executives alike, tying every issue to real-world impact.
- A complimentary retest included, so you get documented proof that your fixes actually close the attack path.
- Responsible, collaborative delivery with a named point of contact and secure handling of all data throughout the engagement.
Explore related services
Kubernetes Penetration Testing is frequently scoped alongside our other offensive-security services for broader coverage. Explore related engagements that complement it:
- Container Security Assessment — Container security assessment — Docker image analysis, supply-chain review, runtime hardening and registry exposure across your…
- AWS Penetration Testing — AWS penetration testing — IAM privilege escalation, S3 and storage exposure, SSRF-to-metadata, and misconfiguration review mapped…
- Cloud Configuration Review — Cloud configuration review across AWS, Azure and GCP — CIS benchmark gaps, IAM hygiene, exposure and…
Frequently asked questions
Do you test managed clusters like EKS, AKS and GKE?
Yes — we test managed and self-hosted Kubernetes, accounting for each provider's shared-responsibility boundaries.
Do you need cluster-admin to test?
No. We typically start from a low-privileged workload or service account to mirror a realistic breach and demonstrate escalation.
Which benchmarks do you use?
We align with the CIS Kubernetes Benchmark and MITRE ATT&CK for Containers.
Do you test managed clusters like EKS, AKS and GKE?
Yes — managed and self-hosted Kubernetes, accounting for each provider's shared-responsibility boundaries.
Do you need cluster-admin to test?
No. We start from a low-privileged workload or service account to mirror a realistic breach and demonstrate escalation.
Do you need cluster-admin access to test?
No — we start from a low-privileged workload or service account to mirror a realistic breach and demonstrate escalation.
How much does Kubernetes penetration testing cost?
Cost depends on the number and size of clusters. Contact hi@agentoffense.com for a fixed-price quote.
How long does Kubernetes penetration testing take?
Typically one to two weeks depending on the number and size of clusters, plus a retest window.
Do you test managed EKS, AKS and GKE?
Yes, accounting for each provider's shared-responsibility boundaries, as well as self-hosted clusters.