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How to Fix the “configmap aws-auth does not exist” Error

by | Feb 26, 2025

Learn how to fix the “configmap aws-auth does not exist” error in Amazon EKS with Terraform. Our AWS Support team is here to help you with your questions and concerns.

How to Fix the “configmap aws-auth does not exist” Error in Amazon EKS with Terraform

How to Fix the "configmap aws-auth does not exist" Error in Amazon EKS with TerraformHave you encountered the following error when working with Amazon EKS clusters and Terraform?

Error: The configmap “aws-auth” does not exist with module.eks.kubernetes_config_map_v1_data.aws_auth

Worry not! Our Experts are here to help.

First, let’s break down what this error means, its impacts, and how to fix it.

The “configmap aws-auth does not exist” error occurs when the `aws-auth` ConfigMap is missing or improperly configured in the `kube-system` namespace of the Kubernetes cluster. This ConfigMap plays a crucial role in mapping IAM roles and users to Kubernetes RBAC (Role-Based Access Control).

Impacts of the Error

  • Prevents users from authenticating to the Kubernetes cluster.
  • IAM users and roles cannot interact with the cluster.
  • Incorrect modifications to the ConfigMap can result in losing all access to the cluster.

Causes and Fixes

1. Outdated AWS CLI

An outdated or incompatible AWS CLI version can prevent proper cluster interaction.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. First, we have to update the AWS CLI. So, check the current version:

    aws –version

  2. Then, uninstall the existing version and reinstall the latest one:


    curl "https://awscli.amazonaws.com/AWSCLIV2.pkg" -o "AWSCLIV2.pkg"
    sudo installer -pkg AWSCLIV2.pkg -target /

  3. Now, verify the installation:

    aws –version

  4. Reconfigure AWS credentials:

    aws configure

Also, ensure the Terraform provider is compatible with the updated AWS CLI.

2. ConfigMap Formatting Issues

Incorrect YAML syntax or improper IAM mappings in the `aws-auth` ConfigMap.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. First, install the YAML linter:

    pip install yamllint

  2. Then, validate the ConfigMap:

    yamllint aws-auth-configmap.yaml

We can avoid common YAML formatting errors by using consistent indentation (2 or 4 spaces), verifying ARN syntax and checking group mappings.

Example Correct ConfigMap Format:

apiVersion: v1
kind: ConfigMap
metadata:
name: aws-auth
namespace: kube-system
data:
mapRoles: |
- rolearn: arn:aws:iam::ACCOUNT_ID:role/ROLE_NAME
username: system:node:{{EC2PrivateDNSName}}
groups:
- system:bootstrappers
- system:nodes

3. Kubernetes Provider Configuration in Terraform

Incorrect Kubernetes provider setup.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. First, verify the provider block:


    provider "kubernetes" {
    host = data.aws_eks_cluster.cluster.endpoint
    cluster_ca_certificate = base64decode(data.aws_eks_cluster.cluster.certificate_authority[0].data)
    token = data.aws_eks_cluster_auth.cluster.token
    }

  2. Then, validate cluster access:


    aws eks update-kubeconfig --name CLUSTER_NAME
    kubectl get nodes

  3. Finally, ensure authentication works via kubeconfig or service accounts.

4. Cluster Creation Timing

Race conditions during EKS cluster creation.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. First, add explicit dependencies in Terraform:


    resource "aws_eks_cluster" "example" {
    depends_on = [
    aws_iam_role_policy_attachment.example-AmazonEKSClusterPolicy,
    aws_iam_role_policy_attachment.example-AmazonEKSVPCResourceController,
    ]
    }

  2. Then, implement wait mechanisms to ensure resources are fully provisioned before proceeding.

5. Insufficient IAM Permissions

The IAM role or user does not have the necessary permissions to manage EKS.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. Audit IAM policies:


    {
    "Version": "2012-10-17",
    "Statement": [
    {
    "Effect": "Allow",
    "Action": [
    "eks:DescribeCluster",
    "eks:ListClusters",
    "eks:CreateCluster"
    ],
    "Resource": "*"
    }
    ]
    }

  2. Then, apply least privilege principles by granting only the necessary permissions.
  3. Finally, validate permissions using the AWS IAM Access Analyzer.

6. ConfigMap Modification Conflicts

Simultaneous updates to the `aws-auth` ConfigMap.

Click here for the Solution.
  1. Enable centralized ConfigMap management in Terraform:


    module "eks" {
    manage_aws_auth_configmap = true

    aws_auth_roles = […]
    aws_auth_users = […]
    }

  2. Also, implement state locking and version control to prevent conflicts.

Prevention Strategies

  • Stick to well-maintained Terraform EKS modules.
  • YAML linting for configuration accuracy.
  • Thorough testing of IAM mappings.
  • Ensure consistent versioning for Terraform, AWS CLI, and Kubernetes providers.
  • Double-check IAM mappings.
  • Validate ConfigMap contents with:
    kubectl -n kube-system describe configmap aws-auth

  • Implement robust error handling in Terraform deployment scripts.

[Need assistance with a different issue? Our team is available 24/7.]

Conclusion

With the above steps, we can troubleshoot and prevent the “configmap aws-auth does not exist” error in Amazon EKS.

In brief, our Support Experts demonstrated how to fix the “configmap aws-auth does not exist” error in Amazon EKS with Terraform.

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