Kubernetes Node Debugging Cheat Sheet/Open a debug shell on a node

Create a privileged debug pod on the node for investigation.

Section: Node Debug Shell

Open a debug shell on a node

bash
bash
kubectl debug node/<node> -it --image=busybox:1.36

Learn the surrounding workflow

Compare similar commands or jump into common fixes when this command is part of a bigger troubleshooting path.

Related commands

Same sheet · prioritizing Node Debug Shell
Open a richer debug shell on a node
Use a fuller image when you need common networking tools.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
Chroot into the host filesystem
After opening a node debug shell, enter the host rootfs.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
Read kubelet logs from the node
Inside a node shell on systemd-based hosts, inspect kubelet logs.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
List containers with crictl
Inspect CRI-level state from the node.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
List pod sandboxes with crictl
View pod sandboxes at the CRI layer.
OpenIn sheetbashsame section
List nodes
Start by verifying Ready status across the cluster.
OpenIn sheetbash1 tag match