Is not authorized to perform: kms:decrypt on resource: is a common error message that many users encounter when trying to decrypt data using the Key Management Service (KMS) in AWS. This error indicates that the user or the user’s account does not have the necessary permissions to perform the decryption operation on the specified resource. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of this error and provide solutions to help you resolve it effectively.
The Key Management Service (KMS) is a robust and scalable service provided by AWS that allows users to create and manage cryptographic keys. These keys can be used to encrypt and decrypt data, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure. However, in order to use KMS for decryption, users must have the appropriate permissions assigned to their accounts or roles.
One of the primary reasons for encountering the “is not authorized to perform: kms:decrypt on resource:” error is due to insufficient permissions. There are several ways in which this issue can arise:
1. Incorrect IAM Role or Policy: If the user is trying to decrypt data using an IAM role or policy, it is essential to ensure that the role or policy explicitly grants permission to perform the kms:decrypt action on the specified resource. Without this permission, the user will be unable to decrypt the data.
2. User Account Permissions: In some cases, the error may occur if the user’s account does not have the necessary permissions. To resolve this, you may need to modify the user’s permissions or create a new IAM role with the appropriate permissions.
3. Resource-Level Permissions: The kms:decrypt permission must be granted at the resource level. This means that the permission must be explicitly defined for the specific KMS key or resource that you are trying to decrypt.
To resolve the “is not authorized to perform: kms:decrypt on resource:” error, follow these steps:
1. Check IAM Role or Policy: Verify that the IAM role or policy assigned to the user or account includes the kms:decrypt permission for the specified resource. If the permission is missing, add it to the role or policy.
2. Modify User Account Permissions: If the user’s account does not have the necessary permissions, you can modify the user’s permissions by updating the IAM policy associated with the user or by creating a new IAM role with the appropriate permissions.
3. Resource-Level Permissions: Ensure that the kms:decrypt permission is granted at the resource level. This can be done by attaching a policy to the KMS key or resource that explicitly grants the permission.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “is not authorized to perform: kms:decrypt on resource:” error and successfully decrypt your data using the Key Management Service in AWS. Remember to regularly review and update your IAM roles and policies to maintain the appropriate level of security and access control for your AWS resources.
