auditing-ecs-task-metadata-boundarieslisted
Install: claude install-skill UnboundCompute/security-agent-skills
# Auditing ECS task metadata boundaries: when a container reaches a credential it should not
Containerized compute hands each task a role by serving credentials from a metadata endpoint the container
can call. That design puts a powerful boundary inside the task: whatever the workload can reach at the
credential endpoint, it can use. Two endpoints matter. The task credential endpoint returns the task role,
which is fine if that role is scoped to exactly what the workload does. The host instance metadata service,
if reachable from the task, returns the node's instance role, which is usually far broader and was never
meant for the workload. A server-side request flaw inside the task, or a compromised sidecar, turns either
endpoint into a credential-theft primitive. You audit these by checking which endpoints the workload can
reach and how tightly the returned role is scoped.
## When to use
- Containerized workloads assume a task or instance role served from a metadata endpoint.
- A task can reach the host instance metadata service, not only its own task credential endpoint.
- A task runs multiple containers or sidecars that share task credentials, or has a server-side request path.
## Scope check
Test metadata and credential boundaries only against clusters and accounts you own or are authorized to
assess, on non-production infrastructure. A confirming request retrieves live credentials, so stay inside
the authorized account and treat any retrieved credential as sensitive