Is not authorized to perform: dynamodb:describetable
Have you ever encountered the error message “Is not authorized to perform: dynamodb:describetable” while working with Amazon DynamoDB? This common issue can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to retrieve information about a table in your DynamoDB environment. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this error and provide you with practical solutions to resolve it.
Understanding the Error Message
The error message “Is not authorized to perform: dynamodb:describetable” indicates that the user or role attempting to access the DynamoDB table does not have the necessary permissions. This could be due to a misconfigured IAM (Identity and Access Management) policy or a lack of permissions granted to the user or role.
Common Causes of the Error
1. Incorrect IAM Policy: The IAM policy attached to the user or role does not grant the necessary permissions to perform the DynamoDB:DescribeTable operation. Ensure that the policy includes the following statement:
“`
{
“Effect”: “Allow”,
“Action”: “dynamodb:DescribeTable”,
“Resource”: “”
}
“`
2. Missing Permissions: The user or role does not have the required permissions explicitly granted in the IAM policy. You can add the necessary permissions by modifying the IAM policy.
3. Resource-Based Policies: If you are using resource-based policies, ensure that the policy is attached to the specific DynamoDB table you are trying to access.
4. Cross-Region Access: If you are trying to access a DynamoDB table in a different region, make sure that the IAM policy allows cross-region access.
Solutions to Resolve the Error
1. Review IAM Policies: Check the IAM policies attached to the user or role and ensure that they grant the necessary permissions to perform the DynamoDB:DescribeTable operation.
2. Grant Explicit Permissions: If the IAM policy is missing the required permissions, add the following statement to the policy:
“`
{
“Effect”: “Allow”,
“Action”: “dynamodb:DescribeTable”,
“Resource”: “”
}
“`
3. Check Resource-Based Policies: If you are using resource-based policies, ensure that the policy is attached to the specific DynamoDB table you are trying to access.
4. Configure Cross-Region Access: If you need to access a DynamoDB table in a different region, add the following statement to the IAM policy:
“`
{
“Effect”: “Allow”,
“Action”: “dynamodb:DescribeTable”,
“Resource”: “arn:aws:dynamodb:::table/”
}
“`
5. Verify Role Assumptions: If you are assuming a role to access the DynamoDB table, ensure that the role has the necessary permissions and that the trust relationship is correctly configured.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the “Is not authorized to perform: dynamodb:describetable” error and gain access to the DynamoDB table you need. Remember to regularly review and update your IAM policies to maintain a secure and efficient DynamoDB environment.
