This post explains the steps to fix the “Azure Auth Plugin Has Been Removed” Error in Kubernetes. As part of our Kubernetes Support, Bobcares provides answers to all of your questions.

Overview

1. Resolving the “Azure Auth Plugin Has Been Removed” Error in Kubernetes
2. Impacts of the Error
3. Causes and Solutions
4. Prevention Tips
5. Conclusion

Resolving the “Azure Auth Plugin Has Been Removed” Error in Kubernetes

If we’re managing Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) clusters and encountering the error, “The azure auth plugin has been removed,” this article explains its cause, impacts, and how to resolve it effectively. This error indicates that the Azure authentication provider previously integrated into Kubernetes has been removed as of Kubernetes version 1.26. Users must now use the kubelogin tool for Azure authentication.

The error typically appears as:

Impacts of the Error

When this error occurs, it can disrupt workflows in several ways:

• Authentication Failure: Prevents access to AKS clusters.

• Workflow Interruptions: Delays in deployments and operations.

• Increased Complexity: Requires time to transition to kubelogin.

• Downtime: Applications may experience delays due to cluster inaccessibility.

• Pipeline Failures: Existing CI/CD pipelines relying on the old auth plugin may break.

• Resource Management Issues: Scaling and cluster performance management become challenging.

Causes and Solutions

1. Outdated kubectl Version

Cause: Kubernetes versions 1.26+ no longer support the Azure auth plugin.

Fix: Upgrade to the latest version of kubectl.

macOS:

brew upgrade kubectl

Windows:

winget upgrade --id=Kubernetes.kubectl -e

Linux: Download the latest binary from the Kubernetes release page or use a package manager.

2. Missing kubelogin Installation

Cause: The kubelogin tool is not installed.

Fix: Install kubelogin for the operating system:

macOS:

brew install Azure/kubelogin/kubelogin

Windows:

winget install --id=Microsoft.Azure.Kubelogin -e

Linux: Install from the GitHub releases page.

3. Incorrect Kubeconfig Configuration

Cause: The kubeconfig file references the deprecated Azure auth plugin.

Fix: Update the kubeconfig file:

kubelogin convert-kubeconfig

This replaces the Azure auth provider with kubelogin.

4. Environment Variables Not Set

Cause: Missing Azure-specific variables like AZURE_CLIENT_ID and AZURE_TENANT_ID.

Fix: Set these variables in the shell:

export AZURE_CLIENT_ID="your-client-id"
export AZURE_TENANT_ID="your-tenant-id"

5. Proxy Issues

Cause: Proxies blocking authentication requests.

Fix: Configure the proxy settings:

export HTTP_PROXY="http://your.proxy.server:port"
export HTTPS_PROXY="http://your.proxy.server:port"

6. Insufficient Permissions

Cause: Azure Active Directory (AAD) account lacks required permissions.

Fix: Assign appropriate roles such as Azure Kubernetes Service Cluster Admin through the Azure portal.

7. Cached Credentials

Cause: Stale credentials in the local environment.

Fix: Clear cached credentials and re-authenticate:

rm -rf ~/.kube ~/.azure-kubelogin
az login

Prevention Tips

To avoid similar issues in the future, follow these best practices:

• Regular Updates: Keep tools like kubectl and Azure CLI up-to-date.

• Monitor Deprecations: Check official Kubernetes and Azure documentation for changes.

• Automated Tool Checks: Integrate version checks into CI/CD pipelines.

• Centralized Configurations: Use configuration management tools to standardize settings.

[Looking for a solution to another query? We are just a click away.]

Conclusion

The removal of the Azure auth plugin requires transitioning to kubelogin for authentication. By upgrading tools, updating configurations, and ensuring proper environment settings, we can overcome this issue and maintain seamless access to AKS clusters.