Is not authorized to perform: eks:describecluster on resource: This error message is a common issue faced by AWS users when trying to access or manage their Amazon EKS (Elastic Kubernetes Service) clusters. It indicates that the user or entity attempting the action does not have the necessary permissions to perform the eks:describecluster operation on the specified resource. In this article, we will delve into the causes of this error, its implications, and the steps to resolve it.
The eks:describecluster operation is used to retrieve detailed information about an EKS cluster, including its configuration, nodes, and other relevant details. When a user encounters the “is not authorized to perform: eks:describecluster on resource:” error, it means that the user lacks the required IAM (Identity and Access Management) permissions to view or modify the cluster in question.
There are several reasons why a user might receive this error:
1. Insufficient IAM permissions: The user may not have been granted the necessary IAM policies or roles that allow access to the EKS cluster. In this case, the user needs to ensure that they have the appropriate permissions assigned to their IAM user or role.
2. Incorrect IAM policies: The IAM policies assigned to the user may not explicitly grant permission for the eks:describecluster operation. It is essential to review and adjust the IAM policies to include the required permissions.
3. Resource-based policies: If the EKS cluster is associated with resource-based policies, the user may not have the necessary permissions to access the cluster. Resource-based policies are specific to the resources they apply to and must be configured correctly to grant the appropriate access.
To resolve the “is not authorized to perform: eks:describecluster on resource:” error, follow these steps:
1. Verify IAM permissions: Check the IAM policies assigned to the user or role attempting the operation. Ensure that the policies include the required permissions for eks:describecluster. If necessary, update the policies to grant the appropriate access.
2. Review resource-based policies: If the EKS cluster is associated with resource-based policies, review these policies to ensure that the user has the necessary permissions. Adjust the policies as needed to grant access to the cluster.
3. Use the correct IAM role: If the user is trying to access the cluster using an IAM role, ensure that the role is attached to the correct AWS account or IAM user. Sometimes, the role may not be associated with the appropriate account, leading to permission issues.
4. Check for cross-account access: If the EKS cluster is in a different AWS account than the user or role attempting the operation, ensure that cross-account access is properly configured. This may involve setting up trust relationships between the accounts or using AWS Organizations to manage cross-account permissions.
By following these steps, users can resolve the “is not authorized to perform: eks:describecluster on resource:” error and gain the necessary access to their EKS clusters. It is crucial to have the correct IAM permissions and policies in place to ensure smooth operations and avoid potential security risks.
