Each time a pod is created or updated, it requires container images from a registry. If these images are pulled from untrusted or non-verified registries, there is a significant risk of introducing malicious code or vulnerabilities into the cluster. Malicious images may contain backdoors, malware, or other security threats that can compromise not only the container but the entire cluster.
Additionally, using outdated or compromised images poses a risk of running vulnerable software, which could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access, or operational failures. Without proper image verification, the integrity of the images being pulled cannot be guaranteed, exposing the cluster to potential security risks.
To mitigate these risks, it's critical to ensure that images are always pulled from trusted sources and verified before being used.