HTTP application routing in Kubernetes involves an ingress controller that automatically creates public DNS records for services in the cluster. While it may simplify exposing services for development and testing, it introduces several security risks, especially in production environments:
Lack of Security Options: HTTP application routing typically lacks support for advanced security features like TLS encryption. This leaves services vulnerable to attacks, such as man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, where data can be intercepted or tampered with in transit.
Exposure to the Internet: When enabled, HTTP application routing can expose services—including untested or unsecured ones—directly to the internet. This increases the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, or exploitation of vulnerabilities within the exposed services.
Production Risks: In production environments, the use of HTTP application routing can be dangerous, potentially exposing critical services and sensitive data, leading to severe security breaches.
To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to avoid using HTTP application routing, especially in production clusters.
