To ensure that HELM is used securely and prevent accidental or malicious deletions and modifications, follow these best practices:
Restrict HELM Commands:
Limit the use of HELM commands to only those users who require it. Ensure that only administrators with the necessary privileges can execute HELM commands, reducing the risk of unauthorized actions. Use sudo restrictions to enforce this:
Cmnd_Alias HELM_CMDS = /usr/local/bin/helm
%admin ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: HELM_CMDS
This ensures that only users in the admin group can execute HELM commands with sudo, providing better control over HELM usage.
Limit Access to helm list:
Restrict access to the helm list command to prevent unauthorized users from viewing or manipulating the list of installed applications. Implement RBAC to define clear permissions for accessing HELM releases:
apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1
kind: Role
metadata:
namespace: default
name: helm-reader
rules:
- apiGroups: ["helm.sh"]
resources: ["releases"]
verbs: ["get", "list"]
apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1
kind: RoleBinding
metadata:
name: read-helm-releases
namespace: default
subjects:
- kind: User
name: jane
apiGroup: rbac.authorization.k8s.io
roleRef:
kind: Role
name: helm-reader
apiGroup: rbac.authorization.k8s.io
Audit and Monitor HELM Usage:
Continuously monitor and audit the use of HELM commands. Track which commands are executed, by whom, and when. Set up logging and alerts for suspicious or unauthorized actions to ensure quick responses to potential security threats.
Consider Alternatives for Production Environments:
In production environments, consider whether HELM is necessary. If it must be used, ensure it is properly secured and restricted, and consider using alternative deployment methods that are more tightly controlled.
Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC):
Use RBAC to enforce strict access control for HELM usage. Define roles and permissions clearly, ensuring that only authorized personnel can deploy, modify, or delete applications. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access or accidental deletions.
Require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
Implement MFA for accessing systems where HELM commands can be executed. MFA adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that only authorized users can perform critical HELM operations.
By following these security measures, you can ensure that HELM is used responsibly, preventing unauthorized or accidental disruptions to the Kubernetes environment while maintaining control over sensitive operations.
