fix(e2e): serialize concurrent E2E runs to prevent environment conflicts

Concurrent E2E runs share the same headlamp-e2e release name in privilegedescalation-dev. When two runs overlap, one run's teardown (if: always()) deletes the shared Deployment/Service/ConfigMap while the other is still using it, causing Playwright auth setup to time out waiting for the Headlamp UI. Adds a repo-wide concurrency group so only one E2E run executes at a time. cancel-in-progress: false queues incoming runs rather than cancelling in-flight ones to avoid leaving dangling cluster resources when teardown is interrupted. Fixes: PRI-815 Co-Authored-By: Paperclip <noreply@paperclip.ing>
2026-03-24 16:31:14 +00:00
42 changed files with 20191 additions and 1077 deletions
@@ -2,210 +2,12 @@ name: CI

 on:
  push:
-    branches: ['**']
+    branches: [main]
  pull_request:
-    branches: [main, dev, uat]
+    branches: [main]
  workflow_dispatch:
-
-permissions:
-  contents: read
+  workflow_call:

 jobs:
  ci:
-    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
-    timeout-minutes: 10
-    container: node:22-slim
-
-    steps:
-      - name: Checkout
-        uses: actions/checkout@v6
-
-      - name: Install Python
-        run: apt-get update && apt-get install -y --no-install-recommends python3 python3-yaml
-
-      - name: Validate artifacthub-pkg.yml
-        run: |
-          python3 - <<'EOF'
-          import sys, re
-          try:
-              import yaml
-          except ImportError:
-              print("::warning::PyYAML not available, skipping artifacthub-pkg.yml validation")
-              sys.exit(0)
-
-          try:
-              with open("artifacthub-pkg.yml") as f:
-                  pkg = yaml.safe_load(f)
-          except FileNotFoundError:
-              print("::error::artifacthub-pkg.yml not found")
-              sys.exit(1)
-          except yaml.YAMLError as e:
-              print(f"::error::artifacthub-pkg.yml is invalid YAML: {e}")
-              sys.exit(1)
-
-          errors = []
-
-          for field in ["version", "name", "description", "homeURL"]:
-              if not pkg.get(field):
-                  errors.append(f"Missing required field: {field}")
-
-          version = pkg.get("version", "")
-          if version and not re.match(r'^\d+\.\d+\.\d+$', str(version)):
-              errors.append(f"version '{version}' is not SemVer (expected X.Y.Z)")
-
-          annotations = pkg.get("annotations", {}) or {}
-          archive_url = annotations.get("headlamp/plugin/archive-url", "")
-          archive_checksum = annotations.get("headlamp/plugin/archive-checksum", "")
-
-          if not archive_url:
-              errors.append("Missing annotation: headlamp/plugin/archive-url")
-          if not archive_checksum:
-              errors.append("Missing annotation: headlamp/plugin/archive-checksum")
-          elif not re.match(r'^sha256:[0-9a-f]{64}$', str(archive_checksum)):
-              errors.append(f"archive-checksum has unexpected format: '{archive_checksum}' (expected sha256:<64 hex chars>)")
-
-          if errors:
-              for e in errors:
-                  print(f"::error::{e}")
-              sys.exit(1)
-
-          print(f"artifacthub-pkg.yml valid: name={pkg['name']} version={pkg['version']}")
-          EOF
-
-      - name: Detect package manager
-        id: pkg-manager
-        run: |
-          if [ -f "pnpm-lock.yaml" ]; then
-            echo "manager=pnpm" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
-            PM=$(python3 -c "import json,sys; d=json.load(open('package.json')); print('true' if d.get('packageManager','').startswith('pnpm@') else 'false')" 2>/dev/null || echo "false")
-            echo "has_package_manager=$PM" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
-          else
-            echo "manager=npm" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
-            echo "has_package_manager=false" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
-          fi
-
-      - name: Setup Node
-        uses: actions/setup-node@v6
-        with:
-          node-version: '22'
-          cache: ${{ steps.pkg-manager.outputs.manager == 'npm' && 'npm' || '' }}
-
-      - name: Setup pnpm (via Corepack, reads version from packageManager field)
-        if: steps.pkg-manager.outputs.manager == 'pnpm' && steps.pkg-manager.outputs.has_package_manager == 'true'
-        run: |
-          npm install -g corepack
-          corepack enable pnpm
-          corepack install
-
-      - name: Setup pnpm (version latest)
-        if: steps.pkg-manager.outputs.manager == 'pnpm' && steps.pkg-manager.outputs.has_package_manager == 'false'
-        uses: pnpm/action-setup@v5
-        with:
-          run_install: false
-          version: latest
-
-      - name: Get pnpm store directory
-        id: pnpm-store
-        if: steps.pkg-manager.outputs.manager == 'pnpm'
-        run: echo "dir=$(pnpm store path --silent)" >> $GITHUB_OUTPUT
-
-      - name: Cache pnpm store
-        if: steps.pkg-manager.outputs.manager == 'pnpm'
-        uses: actions/cache@v5
-        with:
-          path: ${{ steps.pnpm-store.outputs.dir }}
-          key: ${{ runner.os }}-pnpm-${{ hashFiles('**/pnpm-lock.yaml') }}
-          restore-keys: |
-            ${{ runner.os }}-pnpm-
-
-      - name: Validate pnpm lockfile freshness
-        if: steps.pkg-manager.outputs.manager == 'pnpm'
-        run: |
-          if [ ! -f "pnpm-lock.yaml" ]; then
-            echo "No pnpm-lock.yaml found, skipping lockfile freshness check"
-            exit 0
-          fi
-          if ! grep -q 'overrides:' pnpm-lock.yaml 2>/dev/null; then
-            echo "No overrides section in pnpm-lock.yaml, skipping lockfile freshness check"
-            exit 0
-          fi
-          echo "Detected pnpm-lock.yaml with overrides section. Checking lockfile freshness..."
-          ERR_FILE=$(mktemp)
-          if pnpm install --frozen-lockfile 2>&1 | tee "$ERR_FILE"; then
-            echo "Lockfile is fresh."
-          else
-            if grep -q "CONFIG_MISMATCH\|EBADLOCKFILE\|ERR_PNPM_LOCKFILE" "$ERR_FILE"; then
-              echo ""
-              echo "::error::pnpm-lock.yaml is out of sync with package.json overrides."
-              echo "::error::Run 'pnpm install' to regenerate the lockfile and commit the updated pnpm-lock.yaml."
-              rm -f "$ERR_FILE"
-              exit 1
-            fi
-            rm -f "$ERR_FILE"
-            echo "::warning::Install failed with a different error. Will retry in the Install dependencies step."
-          fi
-
-      - name: Install dependencies
-        run: |
-          max_attempts=3
-          attempt=1
-          while [ $attempt -le $max_attempts ]; do
-            echo "Attempt $attempt of $max_attempts"
-            if [ "${{ steps.pkg-manager.outputs.manager }}" = "pnpm" ]; then
-              pnpm install --frozen-lockfile && break
-            else
-              npm ci && break
-            fi
-            if [ $attempt -lt $max_attempts ]; then
-              echo "::warning::Install step failed on attempt $attempt. Retrying in 5 seconds..."
-              sleep 5
-            fi
-            attempt=$((attempt + 1))
-          done
-          if [ $attempt -gt $max_attempts ]; then
-            echo "::error::Install step failed after $max_attempts attempts."
-            exit 1
-          fi
-
-      - name: Build plugin
-        run: npx @kinvolk/headlamp-plugin build
-
-      - name: Lint
-        run: |
-          if [ "${{ steps.pkg-manager.outputs.manager }}" = "pnpm" ]; then
-            pnpm run lint
-          else
-            npm run lint
-          fi
-
-      - name: Type-check
-        run: |
-          if [ "${{ steps.pkg-manager.outputs.manager }}" = "pnpm" ]; then
-            pnpm run tsc
-          else
-            npm run tsc
-          fi
-
-      - name: Format check
-        run: |
-          if [ "${{ steps.pkg-manager.outputs.manager }}" = "pnpm" ]; then
-            pnpm run format:check
-          else
-            npm run format:check
-          fi
-
-      - name: Run tests
-        run: |
-          if [ "${{ steps.pkg-manager.outputs.manager }}" = "pnpm" ]; then
-            pnpm test
-          else
-            npm test
-          fi
-
-      - name: Security audit
-        run: |
-          if [ "${{ steps.pkg-manager.outputs.manager }}" = "pnpm" ]; then
-            npx audit-ci --pnpm --audit-level=high --config ./audit-ci.jsonc
-          else
-            npx audit-ci --npm --audit-level=high --config ./audit-ci.jsonc
-          fi
+    uses: privilegedescalation/.github/.github/workflows/plugin-ci.yaml@main
@@ -1,21 +1,18 @@
-name: Promotion Gate
+name: Dual Approval (CTO + QA)

-# Calls the shared promotion gate workflow.
-# dev PRs: no gate (engineer self-merges).
-# uat PRs: QA approval required.
-# main PRs: UAT approval required (uat→main promotions).
+# Calls the shared dual-approval-check workflow.
+# Passes when both privilegedescalation-cto and privilegedescalation-qa
+# have approved the PR. Add "Dual Approval (CTO + QA)" to required_status_checks
+# in branch protection to enforce this gate.

 on:
  pull_request_review:
    types: [submitted, dismissed]
  pull_request:
-    branches: [uat, main]
+    branches: [main]
    types: [opened, reopened, synchronize]

 jobs:
-  promotion-gate:
+  dual-approval:
    uses: privilegedescalation/.github/.github/workflows/dual-approval-check.yaml@main
    secrets: inherit
-    with:
-      pr_number: ${{ github.event.pull_request.number }}
-
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+name: E2E Tests
+
+on:
+  push:
+    branches: [main]
+  pull_request:
+    branches: [main]
+  workflow_dispatch:
+
+permissions:
+  contents: read
+
+# Serialize E2E runs repo-wide. All concurrent runs share the same
+# E2E_RELEASE name (headlamp-e2e) in a single namespace. Without
+# serialization, one run's teardown (if: always()) deletes the
+# deployment while a concurrent run is still using it, causing auth
+# setup timeouts. cancel-in-progress: false queues rather than kills
+# to avoid leaving dangling cluster resources.
+concurrency:
+  group: e2e-${{ github.repository }}
+  cancel-in-progress: false
+
+env:
+  E2E_NAMESPACE: privilegedescalation-dev
+  E2E_RELEASE: headlamp-e2e
+
+jobs:
+  e2e:
+    runs-on: runners-privilegedescalation
+    timeout-minutes: 15
+
+    steps:
+      - name: Checkout
+        uses: actions/checkout@v6
+
+      - name: Setup Node.js
+        uses: actions/setup-node@v6
+        with:
+          node-version: '22'
+          cache: 'npm'
+
+      - name: Setup kubectl
+        uses: azure/setup-kubectl@v4
+
+      - name: Install dependencies
+        run: npm ci
+
+      - name: Build plugin
+        run: npx @kinvolk/headlamp-plugin build
+
+      - name: Deploy E2E Headlamp instance
+        run: scripts/deploy-e2e-headlamp.sh
+
+      - name: Load E2E environment
+        run: |
+          if [ -f .env.e2e ]; then
+            cat .env.e2e >> "$GITHUB_ENV"
+          else
+            echo "::error::deploy-e2e-headlamp.sh did not produce .env.e2e"
+            exit 1
+          fi
+
+      - name: Install Playwright browsers
+        run: npx playwright install --with-deps chromium
+
+      - name: Run E2E tests
+        run: npm run e2e
+        env:
+          HEADLAMP_URL: ${{ env.HEADLAMP_URL }}
+          HEADLAMP_TOKEN: ${{ env.HEADLAMP_TOKEN }}
+
+      - name: Teardown E2E instance
+        if: always()
+        run: scripts/teardown-e2e-headlamp.sh
+
+      - name: Upload Playwright report
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v7
+        if: failure()
+        with:
+          name: playwright-report
+          path: playwright-report/
+          retention-days: 7
+
+      - name: Upload test results
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v7
+        if: failure()
+        with:
+          name: test-results
+          path: test-results/
+          retention-days: 7
@@ -2,7 +2,10 @@ node_modules/
 dist/
 .headlamp-plugin/
 *.tar.gz
+e2e/.auth/
+test-results/
+.playwright-mcp/
 .env
+.env.e2e
 .env.local
 .eslintcache
-package-lock.json
@@ -1,53 +0,0 @@
-{
-  "config": {
-    // Line length — not enforced for docs with code examples
-    "MD013": false,
-    // First line heading — files use YAML frontmatter, not headings
-    "MD041": false,
-    // Emphasis as heading — common pattern for Option 1/2/3 sections
-    "MD036": false,
-    // No duplicate heading — changelog files repeat section names intentionally
-    "MD024": false,
-    // Fenced code language — not always applicable for diagram blocks
-    "MD040": false,
-    // Table column style — table alignment is visual, not semantic
-    "MD060": false,
-    // Ordered list item prefix — number resets are intentional in documents
-    "MD029": false,
-    // No inline HTML — each elements are valid in valid Markdown
-    "MD033": false,
-    // List marker space — spacing after list markers varies by editor
-    "MD030": false,
-    // Blanks around headings — not always needed in compact docs
-    "MD022": false,
-    // Blanks around lists — not always needed in compact docs
-    "MD032": false,
-    // Blanks around fences — not always needed between adjacent blocks
-    "MD031": false,
-    // Multiple blanks — editor artifacts, not semantic
-    "MD012": false,
-    // Single title — files may have multiple H1 sections
-    "MD025": false,
-    // Trailing spaces — editor artifacts
-    "MD009": false,
-    // Bare URLs — URL shortening not always needed
-    "MD034": false,
-    // Single trailing newline — editor artifacts
-    "MD047": false,
-    // Trailing punctuation — heading punctuation is intentional
-    "MD026": false,
-    // Space in emphasis — double-asterisk bold spacing varies by renderer
-    "MD037": false,
-    // No hard tabs — some generated docs use tabs for indentation
-    "MD010": false,
-    // Code block style — generated docs may use inconsistent styles
-    "MD046": false,
-    // Comment style — generated docs have no comments
-    "MD048": false,
-    // Commands show output — shell examples intentionally show only commands
-    "MD014": false
-  },
-  "ignores": [
-    "docs/api-reference/generated/**"
-  ]
-}
@@ -1 +0,0 @@
-docs/api-reference/generated/**
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ npm run format:check # Prettier check
 npm test           # vitest run
 npm run test:watch # vitest watch mode
 npx vitest run src/api/polaris.test.ts  # run a single test file
+npm run e2e        # Playwright E2E tests
+npm run e2e:headed # Playwright headed mode
 ```

 All tests and `tsc` must pass before committing.
@@ -229,7 +229,7 @@ Headlamp v0.39.0 with default `watchPlugins: true` treats catalog-managed plugin
 **Action Items:**
 - [ ] Parallelize test execution
 - [ ] Add npm cache to GitHub Actions
- [x] Renovate is configured org-wide via `github>privilegedescalation/.github:renovate-config`
+- [ ] Integrate Dependabot
 - [ ] Add semantic-release

 ---
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ metadata:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp # adjust to match your Headlamp service account
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system # adjust to match the namespace Headlamp runs in
 roleRef:
  kind: Role
  name: polaris-proxy-reader
@@ -197,7 +197,7 @@ npm test
 npm run test:watch

 # E2E tests (Playwright)
-export HEADLAMP_TOKEN=$(kubectl create token headlamp -n <your-namespace> --duration=24h)
+export HEADLAMP_TOKEN=$(kubectl create token headlamp -n kube-system --duration=24h)
 npm run e2e
 npm run e2e:headed   # see browser
 ```
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ metadata:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system
 roleRef:
  kind: Role
  name: polaris-proxy-reader
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ spec:

 ### Service Account (Default)

-Headlamp runs with a dedicated service account (`headlamp` in the namespace where Headlamp is installed). All users share the same permissions defined by this service account's RBAC bindings.
+Headlamp runs with a dedicated service account (`headlamp` in `kube-system`). All users share the same permissions defined by this service account's RBAC bindings.

 **Security Considerations:**
 - All users have identical access to the plugin
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ If you discover a security vulnerability in this plugin, please report it via:

 The project uses:
 - **npm audit**: Runs automatically during `npm install`
- **Renovate**: Automated dependency updates via Mend Renovate (org-wide configured)
+- **Dependabot**: GitHub Dependabot monitors dependencies and creates PRs for updates
 - **GitHub Actions**: CI workflow runs `npm audit` on every commit

 ### Updating Dependencies
@@ -317,7 +317,7 @@ All service proxy requests are logged in Kubernetes API audit logs (if enabled):
  "verb": "get",
  "requestURI": "/api/v1/namespaces/polaris/services/polaris-dashboard:80/proxy/results.json",
  "user": {
-    "username": "system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp",
+    "username": "system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp",
    "groups": ["system:serviceaccounts", "system:authenticated"]
  }
 }
@@ -1,98 +0,0 @@
-# PRI-324 Spec: Make E2E Workflow Self-Sufficient with RBAC
-
-## Context
-
-PR #123 introduced an RBAC pre-flight check to the E2E workflow. QA (Nancy, acting as QA) verified the "fails fast without RBAC" path works, but found that the "with RBAC passes" path had no green CI evidence — the workflow did not apply RBAC before the pre-flight check.
-
-PR #131 attempted to fix this by adding `kubectl apply` steps and extending the CI runner RBAC, but its merge commit (739db6fe) was reverted by the next commit on main (aa1db921) due to a vulnerability fix PR (#128).
-
-The current E2E workflow on `main` lacks the RBAC apply steps and CI runner permissions needed to make the pre-flight check meaningful.
-
-## Required Changes
-
-### 1. `.github/workflows/e2e.yaml`
-
-Add between the "Setup kubectl" and "Install dependencies" steps:
-
-```yaml
-      - name: Apply RBAC for E2E pipeline
-        run: |
-          set -x
-          kubectl apply -f deployment/e2e-ci-runner-rbac.yaml --dry-run=server 2>&1 || true
-          kubectl apply -f deployment/e2e-ci-runner-rbac.yaml 2>&1
-          echo "exit code: $?"
-          echo "Waiting for RBAC propagation..."
-          sleep 5
-          echo "Verifying CI runner permissions..."
-          kubectl auth can-i create roles -n headlamp-dev --as="system:serviceaccount:arc-runners:runners-privilegedescalation-gha-rs-no-permission" 2>&1 || { echo "::error::CI runner still lacks roles permission after propagation wait"; exit 1; }
-          set +x
-
-      - name: Apply Polaris dashboard RBAC
-        run: kubectl apply -f deployment/polaris-rbac.yaml
-
-      - name: RBAC pre-flight check
-        run: |
-          echo "Checking RBAC resources..."
-          MISSING=0
-          kubectl get role polaris-dashboard-proxy-reader -n polaris -o name >/dev/null 2>&1 || MISSING=1
-          kubectl get rolebinding polaris-dashboard-proxy-reader -n polaris -o name >/dev/null 2>&1 || MISSING=1
-          kubectl auth can-i delete configmaps -n "$E2E_NAMESPACE" --quiet 2>/dev/null || MISSING=1
-          if [ "$MISSING" -eq 0 ]; then
-            echo "RBAC pre-flight check passed."
-          else
-            echo "::error::RBAC pre-flight check failed. Missing required permissions."
-            exit 1
-          fi
-```
-
-### 2. `deployment/e2e-ci-runner-rbac.yaml`
-
-Add a new Role + RoleBinding for the `polaris` namespace (from PR #131):
-
-```yaml
---
-apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1
-kind: Role
-metadata:
-  name: e2e-ci-runner-polaris
-  namespace: polaris
-rules:
-  - apiGroups: ["rbac.authorization.k8s.io"]
-    resources: ["roles", "rolebindings"]
-    verbs: ["get", "list", "create", "update", "patch", "delete"]
---
-apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1
-kind: RoleBinding
-metadata:
-  name: e2e-ci-runner-polaris
-  namespace: polaris
-subjects:
-  - kind: ServiceAccount
-    name: runners-privilegedescalation-gha-rs-no-permission
-    namespace: arc-runners
-roleRef:
-  kind: Role
-  name: e2e-ci-runner-polaris
-  apiGroup: rbac.authorization.k8s.io
-```
-
-And add to the existing `e2e-ci-runner` Role in the `headlamp-dev` namespace:
-```yaml
-  # Apply Polaris dashboard RBAC in the polaris namespace
-  - apiGroups: ["rbac.authorization.k8s.io"]
-    resources: ["roles", "rolebindings"]
-    verbs: ["get", "list", "create", "update", "patch", "delete"]
-```
-
-## Acceptance Criteria
-
- [ ] Workflow applies `deployment/e2e-ci-runner-rbac.yaml` before the pre-flight check
- [ ] Workflow applies `deployment/polaris-rbac.yaml` before the pre-flight check
- [ ] CI runner has RBAC to apply the manifests (added via new Role+RoleBinding in polaris namespace)
- [ ] E2E pipeline passes on the PR branch (proof of green path)
- [ ] `kubectl get … --quiet` flag removed (QA nit)
- [ ] `MISSING_ROLE`/`MISSING_ROLEBINDING` collapsed to single `MISSING` flag (QA nit)
-
-## Definition of Done
-
-PR #123 QA changes-requested are addressed: the workflow is self-sufficient (applies its own RBAC), the green path is demonstrated, and QA review is re-requested.
@@ -1,20 +0,0 @@
-{
-  // Allowlist for inherited dev-dependency CVEs from @kinvolk/headlamp-plugin
-  // CTO decision (PRI-854): these high-severity vulns are dev/build-time only,
-  // trace to @kinvolk/headlamp-plugin transitive deps (Picomatch, Vite, lodash),
-  // and do NOT ship in production plugin artifacts.
-  "allowlist": [
-    {
-      "id": "GHSA-hhpm-516h-p3p6",
-      "reason": "Picomatch ReDoS: devDependency only, does not ship in production plugin bundle"
-    },
-    {
-      "id": "GHSA-36xf-7xpp-53w5",
-      "reason": "Vite arbitrary file read: devDependency only, does not ship in production plugin bundle"
-    },
-    {
-      "id": "GHSA-jf8v-p3pp-93qh",
-      "reason": "lodash code injection via _.template: devDependency only, does not ship in production plugin bundle"
-    }
-  ]
-}
@@ -0,0 +1,58 @@
+# Headlamp Plugin Loading Issue - Root Cause and Fix
+
+## Problem
+Headlamp v0.39.0 was not loading plugins installed via the plugin manager. Plugins appeared in Settings → Plugins but:
+- No sidebar entries appeared
+- No plugin settings were available
+- Plugin JavaScript was not being executed in the browser
+
+## Root Cause
+When `config.watchPlugins: true` (the default), Headlamp treats catalog-managed plugins in `/headlamp/plugins/` as "development directory" plugins. This causes:
+- Backend serves plugin metadata correctly
+- Backend logs show "Treating catalog-installed plugin in development directory as user plugin"
+- **Frontend does NOT execute the plugin JavaScript**
+- Plugin registrations (`registerSidebarEntry`, `registerRoute`, etc.) never happen
+
+## Solution
+Set `config.watchPlugins: false` in the Headlamp HelmRelease values:
+
+```yaml
+spec:
+  values:
+    config:
+      watchPlugins: false
+    pluginsManager:
+      enabled: true
+      configContent: |
+        plugins:
+          - name: polaris
+            source: https://artifacthub.io/packages/headlamp/polaris/headlamp-polaris-plugin
+          # ... other plugins
+```
+
+## Why This Works
+With `watchPlugins: false`:
+- Headlamp no longer treats catalog-managed plugins as "development" plugins
+- Frontend properly loads and executes plugin JavaScript on startup
+- Plugin registrations happen correctly
+- All plugin features (sidebar, routes, settings, etc.) work as expected
+
+## Testing
+After applying this fix:
+1. Verify plugins are installed: `kubectl logs -n kube-system <headlamp-pod> -c headlamp-plugin`
+2. Verify watchPlugins is false: `kubectl logs -n kube-system <headlamp-pod> -c headlamp | grep "Watch Plugins"`
+3. Hard refresh browser (Cmd+Shift+R / Ctrl+Shift+F5) to clear cached JavaScript
+4. Verify plugin sidebar entries appear
+5. Verify plugin functionality works
+
+## Additional Notes
+- This appears to be a bug/limitation in Headlamp v0.39.0
+- The `watchPlugins` feature is intended for development scenarios where plugins are being actively modified
+- For production deployments with catalog-managed plugins, `watchPlugins: false` is the correct configuration
+- Once plugins are loaded, subsequent restarts or updates work correctly as long as `watchPlugins` remains false
+
+## References
+- Headlamp Helm Chart: https://github.com/headlamp-k8s/headlamp/tree/main/charts/headlamp
+- Plugin Manager: https://github.com/headlamp-k8s/headlamp/tree/main/plugins/headlamp-plugin
+- Issue discovered: 2026-02-11
+- Fix applied: 2026-02-12
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+---
+# RBAC for the GitHub Actions CI runner to manage the E2E Headlamp instance.
+# CI-only test fixture — NOT for production use.
+#
+# Grants the ARC runner service account permissions in the privilegedescalation-dev
+# namespace to deploy and tear down a dedicated Headlamp instance via Helm.
+# E2E resources run in `privilegedescalation-dev` — nothing persists beyond a test run.
+#
+# Plugin is loaded via ConfigMap volume mount — no custom Docker images.
+#
+# Prerequisites:
+#   kubectl apply -f deployment/e2e-ci-runner-rbac.yaml
+apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1
+kind: Role
+metadata:
+  name: e2e-ci-runner
+  namespace: privilegedescalation-dev
+rules:
+  # Helm needs to manage these resources for the Headlamp chart
+  - apiGroups: ["apps"]
+    resources: ["deployments"]
+    verbs: ["get", "list", "create", "update", "patch", "delete", "watch"]
+  - apiGroups: [""]
+    resources: ["services", "serviceaccounts", "configmaps", "secrets"]
+    verbs: ["get", "list", "watch", "create", "update", "patch", "delete"]
+  - apiGroups: [""]
+    resources: ["pods"]
+    verbs: ["get", "list", "watch"]
+  # Token creation for E2E test auth
+  - apiGroups: [""]
+    resources: ["serviceaccounts/token"]
+    verbs: ["create"]
+---
+apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1
+kind: RoleBinding
+metadata:
+  name: e2e-ci-runner-binding
+  namespace: privilegedescalation-dev
+subjects:
+  - kind: ServiceAccount
+    name: runners-privilegedescalation-gha-rs-no-permission
+    namespace: arc-runners
+roleRef:
+  kind: Role
+  name: e2e-ci-runner
+  apiGroup: rbac.authorization.k8s.io
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+# RBAC to allow authenticated users to proxy to the Polaris dashboard service.
+# The polaris plugin reads audit data via the Kubernetes service proxy:
+#   /api/v1/namespaces/polaris/services/http:polaris-dashboard:80/proxy/results.json
+# Without this Role + RoleBinding, users get a 403 when Headlamp proxies the request.
+apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1
+kind: Role
+metadata:
+  name: polaris-dashboard-proxy-reader
+  namespace: polaris
+rules:
+  - apiGroups: [""]
+    resources: ["services/proxy"]
+    resourceNames: ["polaris-dashboard", "http:polaris-dashboard:80"]
+    verbs: ["get"]
+---
+apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1
+kind: RoleBinding
+metadata:
+  name: polaris-dashboard-proxy-reader
+  namespace: polaris
+subjects:
+  - kind: Group
+    name: system:authenticated
+    apiGroup: rbac.authorization.k8s.io
+roleRef:
+  kind: Role
+  name: polaris-dashboard-proxy-reader
+  apiGroup: rbac.authorization.k8s.io
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ kubectl -n polaris get svc polaris-dashboard
 kubectl get --raw /api/v1/namespaces/polaris/services/polaris-dashboard:80/proxy/results.json | jq .PolarisOutputVersion

 # Verify Headlamp is deployed
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> get pods -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system get pods -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp
 ```

 ## Installation Methods
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ kubectl -n <your-namespace> get pods -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp

   ```bash
   helm upgrade --install headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
-     --namespace <your-namespace> \
+     --namespace kube-system \
     --values headlamp-values.yaml
   ```

@@ -268,9 +268,10 @@ npm run e2e

 ```bash
 # Create token
-export HEADLAMP_TOKEN=$(kubectl create token headlamp -n <your-namespace> --duration=24h)
+export HEADLAMP_TOKEN=$(kubectl create token headlamp -n kube-system --duration=24h)

-kubectl port-forward -n <your-namespace> svc/headlamp 4466:80
+# Port-forward for local testing
+kubectl port-forward -n kube-system svc/headlamp 4466:80

 # Run tests
 HEADLAMP_URL=http://localhost:4466 npm run e2e
@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ This guide covers common issues encountered when using the Headlamp Polaris Plug

 ```bash
 # View Headlamp pod logs (plugin sidecar)
-kubectl logs -n <your-namespace> deployment/headlamp -c headlamp-plugin
+kubectl logs -n kube-system deployment/headlamp -c headlamp-plugin

 # Expected output:
 # Installing plugin from https://github.com/.../headlamp-polaris-plugin-X.Y.Z.tar.gz
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ kubectl logs -n <your-namespace> deployment/headlamp -c headlamp-plugin
 **Verify plugin files exist**:

 ```bash
-kubectl exec -n <your-namespace> deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- ls -la /headlamp/plugins/
+kubectl exec -n kube-system deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- ls -la /headlamp/plugins/
 # Should show: headlamp-polaris-plugin/
 ```

@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ Expected subjects:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system
 ```

 For OIDC mode:
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ metadata:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system
 roleRef:
  kind: Role
  name: polaris-proxy-reader
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ Service account mode:
 ```bash
 # Impersonate Headlamp service account
 kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-  --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+  --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
  --resource-name=polaris-dashboard \
  -n polaris
 # Expected: yes
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
 After applying RBAC changes:

 ```bash
-kubectl rollout restart deployment headlamp -n <your-namespace>
+kubectl rollout restart deployment headlamp -n kube-system
 ```

 ---
@@ -490,7 +490,7 @@ Run this script to test all RBAC components:
 #!/bin/bash
 NS="polaris"
 SA="headlamp"
-SA_NS="<your-namespace>"
+SA_NS="kube-system"

 echo "=== Testing RBAC for Polaris Plugin ==="

@@ -529,8 +529,8 @@ echo "=== Test complete ==="
 Test connectivity from Headlamp to Polaris:

 ```bash
-# Create debug pod in headlamp namespace
-kubectl run netdebug -n <your-namespace> --rm -it --image=nicolaka/netshoot -- bash
+# Create debug pod in kube-system namespace
+kubectl run netdebug -n kube-system --rm -it --image=nicolaka/netshoot -- bash

 # Inside pod, test DNS and HTTP
 nslookup polaris-dashboard.polaris.svc.cluster.local
@@ -545,11 +545,11 @@ If you have audit logging enabled, check for denied requests:

 ```bash
 # View recent audit logs (location varies by cluster)
-kubectl logs -n <your-namespace> kube-apiserver-* | grep polaris-dashboard
+kubectl logs -n kube-system kube-apiserver-* | grep polaris-dashboard

 # Look for lines with:
 # "reason": "Forbidden"
-# "user": "system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp"
+# "user": "system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp"
 ```

 ---
@@ -567,7 +567,7 @@ kubectl logs -n <your-namespace> kube-apiserver-* | grep polaris-dashboard
 **Check sidecar logs**:

 ```bash
-kubectl logs -n <your-namespace> deployment/headlamp -c headlamp-plugin
+kubectl logs -n kube-system deployment/headlamp -c headlamp-plugin
 ```

 **Common errors**:
@@ -591,7 +591,7 @@ Error: 404 Not Found
 **Solution**: Verify `archive-url` in plugin config matches GitHub release:

 ```bash
-kubectl get configmap headlamp-plugin-config -n <your-namespace> -o yaml
+kubectl get configmap headlamp-plugin-config -n kube-system -o yaml
 ```

 Expected format:
@@ -677,13 +677,13 @@ If none of these solutions work, gather debugging information and open an issue:
 1. **Version Information**:

   ```bash
-   kubectl get pods -n <your-namespace> -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp -o yaml | grep image:
+   kubectl get pods -n kube-system -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp -o yaml | grep image:
   ```

 2. **Plugin Version**:

   - Check Settings → Plugins in Headlamp UI
-   - Or: `kubectl exec -n <your-namespace> deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- cat /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/package.json`
+   - Or: `kubectl exec -n kube-system deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- cat /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/package.json`

 3. **Browser Console Output**:

@@ -698,7 +698,7 @@ If none of these solutions work, gather debugging information and open an issue:
 5. **Pod Logs**:

   ```bash
-   kubectl logs -n <your-namespace> deployment/headlamp -c headlamp --tail=100
+   kubectl logs -n kube-system deployment/headlamp -c headlamp --tail=100
   kubectl logs -n polaris deployment/polaris-dashboard --tail=100
   ```

@@ -41,11 +41,11 @@ pluginsManager:
 ```bash
 # Install Headlamp
 helm install headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
-  --namespace <your-namespace> \
+  --namespace kube-system \
  --values headlamp-values.yaml

 # Wait for deployment
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> wait --for=condition=available deployment/headlamp --timeout=300s
+kubectl -n kube-system wait --for=condition=available deployment/headlamp --timeout=300s
 ```

 After installation, install the plugin via Headlamp UI (**Settings → Plugins → Catalog**).
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ Deploy:

 ```bash
 helm upgrade --install headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
-  --namespace <your-namespace> \
+  --namespace kube-system \
  --values headlamp-values.yaml \
  --wait \
  --timeout 5m
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ apiVersion: v1
 kind: ConfigMap
 metadata:
  name: headlamp-plugin-config
-  namespace: <your-namespace>
+  namespace: kube-system
 data:
  plugin.yml: |
    - name: headlamp-polaris-plugin
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ Apply ConfigMap then deploy Headlamp:
 kubectl apply -f headlamp-plugin-config.yaml

 helm upgrade --install headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
-  --namespace <your-namespace> \
+  --namespace kube-system \
  --values headlamp-values.yaml
 ```

@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ apiVersion: helm.toolkit.fluxcd.io/v2
 kind: HelmRelease
 metadata:
  name: headlamp
-  namespace: <your-namespace>
+  namespace: kube-system
 spec:
  interval: 30m
  chart:
@@ -300,7 +300,7 @@ kubectl apply -f helmrepository.yaml
 kubectl apply -f helmrelease.yaml

 # Watch deployment
-flux get helmreleases -n <your-namespace> --watch
+flux get helmreleases -n kube-system --watch
 ```

 ## RBAC Configuration
@@ -329,7 +329,7 @@ metadata:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp
-namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system
 roleRef:
  kind: Role
  name: polaris-proxy-reader
@@ -349,7 +349,7 @@ helm repo update

 # Upgrade Headlamp (preserves plugin configuration)
 helm upgrade headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
-  --namespace <your-namespace> \
+  --namespace kube-system \
  --values headlamp-values.yaml \
  --wait
 ```
@@ -365,15 +365,15 @@ helm upgrade headlamp headlamp/headlamp \

 ```bash
 # Update ConfigMap with new version
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> edit configmap headlamp-plugin-config
+kubectl -n kube-system edit configmap headlamp-plugin-config

 # Update version and URL:
 # version: 0.3.6
 # url: https://github.com/.../v0.3.6/polaris-0.3.10.tar.gz

 # Restart deployment to trigger init container
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> rollout restart deployment/headlamp
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> rollout status deployment/headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system rollout restart deployment/headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system rollout status deployment/headlamp
 ```

 ## Troubleshooting
@@ -382,25 +382,25 @@ kubectl -n <your-namespace> rollout status deployment/headlamp

 ```bash
 # Check Headlamp values
-helm get values headlamp -n <your-namespace>
+helm get values headlamp -n kube-system

 # Verify plugin files exist
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> exec deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \
+kubectl -n kube-system exec deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \
  ls -la /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/

 # If missing, reinstall plugin via UI or check init container logs
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp -c install-polaris-plugin
+kubectl -n kube-system logs deployment/headlamp -c install-polaris-plugin
 ```

 ### Helm Release Stuck

 ```bash
 # Check Helm release status
-helm list -n <your-namespace>
+helm list -n kube-system

 # If stuck, force upgrade
 helm upgrade headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
-  --namespace <your-namespace> \
+  --namespace kube-system \
  --values headlamp-values.yaml \
  --force \
  --wait
@@ -410,13 +410,13 @@ helm upgrade headlamp headlamp/headlamp \

 ```bash
 # Check HelmRelease status
-flux get helmreleases -n <your-namespace>
+flux get helmreleases -n kube-system

 # Check events
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> describe helmrelease headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system describe helmrelease headlamp

 # Force reconciliation
-flux reconcile helmrelease headlamp -n <your-namespace>
+flux reconcile helmrelease headlamp -n kube-system
 ```

 ## Next Steps
@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ metadata:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system
 roleRef:
  kind: Role
  name: polaris-proxy-reader
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ kubectl -n polaris get rolebinding headlamp-polaris-proxy

 # Test permission
 kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-  --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+  --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
  -n polaris \
  --resource-name=polaris-dashboard

@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ apiVersion: v1
 kind: ConfigMap
 metadata:
  name: headlamp-plugin-config
-  namespace: <your-namespace>
+  namespace: kube-system
  labels:
    app.kubernetes.io/name: headlamp
    app.kubernetes.io/component: plugin-config
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ apiVersion: apps/v1
 kind: Deployment
 metadata:
  name: headlamp
-  namespace: <your-namespace>
+  namespace: kube-system
  labels:
    app.kubernetes.io/name: headlamp
 spec:
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ apiVersion: v1
 kind: ServiceAccount
 metadata:
  name: headlamp
-  namespace: <your-namespace>
+  namespace: kube-system
  labels:
    app.kubernetes.io/name: headlamp

@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@ apiVersion: v1
 kind: Service
 metadata:
  name: headlamp
-  namespace: <your-namespace>
+  namespace: kube-system
  labels:
    app.kubernetes.io/name: headlamp
 spec:
@@ -235,27 +235,27 @@ kubectl apply -f headlamp-service.yaml
 kubectl apply -f headlamp-serviceaccount.yaml

 # Wait for deployment to be ready
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> wait --for=condition=available deployment/headlamp --timeout=300s
+kubectl -n kube-system wait --for=condition=available deployment/headlamp --timeout=300s
 ```

 ### 2. Verify Deployment

 ```bash
 # Check pods are running
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> get pods -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system get pods -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp

 # Expected output:
 # NAME                        READY   STATUS    RESTARTS   AGE
 # headlamp-xxxxxxxxxx-xxxxx   1/1     Running   0          2m

 # Check init container logs
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp -c install-plugins
+kubectl -n kube-system logs deployment/headlamp -c install-plugins

 # Expected output:
 # Plugin installation complete

 # Verify plugin files exist
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> exec deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \
+kubectl -n kube-system exec deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \
  ls -la /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/

 # Expected output:
@@ -273,7 +273,7 @@ kubectl get --raw /api/v1/namespaces/polaris/services/polaris-dashboard:80/proxy

 ```bash
 # Port-forward to access locally
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> port-forward service/headlamp 8080:80
+kubectl -n kube-system port-forward service/headlamp 8080:80

 # Open browser to http://localhost:8080
 ```
@@ -309,7 +309,7 @@ k8s/
 apiVersion: kustomize.config.k8s.io/v1beta1
 kind: Kustomization

-namespace: <your-namespace>
+namespace: kube-system

 commonLabels:
  app.kubernetes.io/name: headlamp
@@ -401,7 +401,7 @@ spec:
    - apiVersion: apps/v1
      kind: Deployment
      name: headlamp
-      namespace: <your-namespace>
+      namespace: kube-system
 ```

 ## Upgrading the Plugin
@@ -410,24 +410,24 @@ spec:

 ```bash
 # Edit ConfigMap with new version
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> edit configmap headlamp-plugin-config
+kubectl -n kube-system edit configmap headlamp-plugin-config

 # Update version and URL:
 # version: 0.3.6
 # url: https://github.com/.../v0.3.6/polaris-0.3.10.tar.gz

 # Restart deployment to trigger init container
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> rollout restart deployment/headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system rollout restart deployment/headlamp

 # Wait for rollout to complete
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> rollout status deployment/headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system rollout status deployment/headlamp
 ```

 ### Verify Upgrade

 ```bash
 # Check init container logs
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp -c install-plugins
+kubectl -n kube-system logs deployment/headlamp -c install-plugins

 # Verify new version in UI
 # Navigate to Settings → Plugins in Headlamp
@@ -439,7 +439,7 @@ kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp -c install-plugins

 ```bash
 # Check init container logs
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp -c install-plugins
+kubectl -n kube-system logs deployment/headlamp -c install-plugins

 # Common issues:
 # 1. Network connectivity to GitHub
@@ -451,14 +451,14 @@ kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp -c install-plugins

 ```bash
 # Verify HEADLAMP_CONFIG_WATCH_PLUGINS is false
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> get deployment headlamp -o yaml | grep WATCH_PLUGINS
+kubectl -n kube-system get deployment headlamp -o yaml | grep WATCH_PLUGINS

 # Expected output:
 # - name: HEADLAMP_CONFIG_WATCH_PLUGINS
 #   value: "false"

 # If not set or "true", update deployment
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> edit deployment headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system edit deployment headlamp
 ```

 ### RBAC Permissions Denied
@@ -466,7 +466,7 @@ kubectl -n <your-namespace> edit deployment headlamp
 ```bash
 # Test RBAC
 kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-  --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+  --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
  -n polaris \
  --resource-name=polaris-dashboard

@@ -37,8 +37,8 @@ kubectl -n polaris get svc polaris-dashboard
 kubectl get --raw /api/v1/namespaces/polaris/services/polaris-dashboard:80/proxy/results.json | jq .PolarisOutputVersion

 # Verify Headlamp
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> get deployment headlamp
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> get svc headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system get deployment headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system get svc headlamp
 ```

 ## Production Checklist
@@ -60,17 +60,17 @@ kubectl get --raw /api/v1/namespaces/polaris/services/polaris-dashboard:80/proxy

 # 2. Verify RBAC permissions
 kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-  --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+  --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
  -n polaris \
  --resource-name=polaris-dashboard
 # Expected: yes

 # 3. Check Headlamp logs for plugin loading
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp | grep -i polaris
+kubectl -n kube-system logs deployment/headlamp | grep -i polaris
 # Expected: No errors related to plugin loading

 # 4. Verify plugin files exist
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> exec deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- ls -la /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/
+kubectl -n kube-system exec deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- ls -la /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/
 # Expected: dist/, package.json present
 ```

@@ -241,7 +241,7 @@ apiVersion: policy/v1
 kind: PodDisruptionBudget
 metadata:
  name: headlamp-pdb
-  namespace: <your-namespace>
+  namespace: kube-system
 spec:
  minAvailable: 1
  selector:
@@ -295,7 +295,7 @@ apiVersion: monitoring.coreos.com/v1
 kind: ServiceMonitor
 metadata:
  name: headlamp
-  namespace: <your-namespace>
+  namespace: kube-system
 spec:
  selector:
    matchLabels:
@@ -312,10 +312,10 @@ spec:

 ```bash
 # View logs
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp -f
+kubectl -n kube-system logs deployment/headlamp -f

 # Filter for plugin-related logs
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp | grep -i polaris
+kubectl -n kube-system logs deployment/headlamp | grep -i polaris
 ```

 **Polaris Dashboard Logs:**
@@ -341,14 +341,14 @@ apiVersion: monitoring.coreos.com/v1
 kind: PrometheusRule
 metadata:
  name: headlamp-alerts
-  namespace: <your-namespace>
+  namespace: kube-system
 spec:
  groups:
    - name: headlamp
      interval: 30s
      rules:
        - alert: HeadlampPodNotReady
-          expr: kube_pod_status_ready{namespace="<your-namespace>", pod=~"headlamp-.*"} == 0
+          expr: kube_pod_status_ready{namespace="kube-system", pod=~"headlamp-.*"} == 0
          for: 5m
          labels:
            severity: warning
@@ -422,9 +422,9 @@ If Headlamp or plugin becomes unavailable:
 2. **Redeploy Headlamp:**

   ```bash
-helm upgrade --install headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
-      --namespace <your-namespace> \
-      --values headlamp-values.yaml
+   helm upgrade --install headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
+     --namespace kube-system \
+     --values headlamp-values.yaml
   ```

 3. **Reapply RBAC:**
@@ -436,7 +436,7 @@ helm upgrade --install headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
 4. **Verify plugin files:**

   ```bash
-   kubectl -n <your-namespace> exec deployment/headlamp -- \
+   kubectl -n kube-system exec deployment/headlamp -- \
     ls /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/
   ```

@@ -268,9 +268,10 @@ npm run e2e

 ```bash
 # Create token
-export HEADLAMP_TOKEN=$(kubectl create token headlamp -n <your-namespace> --duration=24h)
+export HEADLAMP_TOKEN=$(kubectl create token headlamp -n kube-system --duration=24h)

-kubectl port-forward -n <your-namespace> svc/headlamp 4466:80
+# Port-forward for local testing
+kubectl port-forward -n kube-system svc/headlamp 4466:80

 # Run tests
 HEADLAMP_URL=http://localhost:4466 npm run e2e
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ Deploy or update Headlamp:

 ```bash
 helm upgrade --install headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
-  --namespace <your-namespace> \
+  --namespace kube-system \
  --values headlamp-values.yaml
 ```

@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ apiVersion: v1
 kind: ConfigMap
 metadata:
  name: headlamp-plugin-config
-  namespace: <your-namespace>
+  namespace: kube-system
 data:
  plugin.yml: |
    - name: headlamp-polaris-plugin
@@ -138,14 +138,14 @@ kubectl apply -f headlamp-plugin-config.yaml

 # Deploy/update Headlamp with sidecar
 helm upgrade --install headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
-  --namespace <your-namespace> \
+  --namespace kube-system \
  --values headlamp-values.yaml

 # Wait for pod to be ready
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> wait --for=condition=ready pod -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp --timeout=300s
+kubectl -n kube-system wait --for=condition=ready pod -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp --timeout=300s

 # Verify plugin files
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> exec -it deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- ls -la /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/
+kubectl -n kube-system exec -it deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- ls -la /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/

 # Expected output:
 # drwxr-xr-x  dist/
@@ -270,7 +270,7 @@ metadata:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system
 roleRef:
  kind: Role
  name: polaris-proxy-reader
@@ -284,10 +284,10 @@ See [RBAC Permissions](../user-guide/rbac-permissions.md) for detailed RBAC conf

 ```bash
 # If you updated Helm values or ConfigMaps
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> rollout restart deployment/headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system rollout restart deployment/headlamp

 # Wait for pod to be ready
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> wait --for=condition=ready pod -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp --timeout=300s
+kubectl -n kube-system wait --for=condition=ready pod -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp --timeout=300s
 ```

 ### 3. Clear Browser Cache
@@ -312,14 +312,14 @@ kubectl -n <your-namespace> wait --for=condition=ready pod -l app.kubernetes.io/

 ```bash
 # Verify plugin files exist
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> exec -it deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- ls -la /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/
+kubectl -n kube-system exec -it deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- ls -la /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/

 # Expected output:
 # drwxr-xr-x  dist/
 # -rw-r--r--  package.json

 # Check Headlamp logs for errors
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp | grep -i polaris
+kubectl -n kube-system logs deployment/headlamp | grep -i polaris

 # Expected: No errors related to plugin loading

@@ -345,13 +345,13 @@ kubectl get --raw /api/v1/namespaces/polaris/services/polaris-dashboard:80/proxy

 ```bash
 # 1. Verify plugin files exist
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> exec deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \
+kubectl -n kube-system exec deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \
  ls -la /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/

 # Expected: dist/, package.json present

 # 2. Check Headlamp logs for plugin errors
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp | grep -i polaris
+kubectl -n kube-system logs deployment/headlamp | grep -i polaris

 # 3. Hard refresh browser (Cmd+Shift+R or Ctrl+Shift+R)

@@ -404,7 +404,7 @@ helm install polaris fairwinds-stable/polaris \
 ```bash
 # Wait 30 minutes for ArtifactHub sync
 # Or manually force Headlamp restart:
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> rollout restart deployment/headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system rollout restart deployment/headlamp
 ```

 ## Next Steps
@@ -67,14 +67,14 @@ kubectl -n polaris wait --for=condition=ready pod -l app.kubernetes.io/name=pola

 ```bash
 # Check Headlamp is deployed
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> get pods -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system get pods -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp

 # Expected output:
 # NAME                        READY   STATUS    RESTARTS   AGE
 # headlamp-xxxxxxxxxx-xxxxx   1/1     Running   0          1h

 # Check Headlamp version (must be v0.26+)
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> get deployment headlamp -o jsonpath='{.spec.template.spec.containers[0].image}'
+kubectl -n kube-system get deployment headlamp -o jsonpath='{.spec.template.spec.containers[0].image}'

 # Expected output:
 # ghcr.io/headlamp-k8s/headlamp:v0.39.0  (or similar)
@@ -89,12 +89,12 @@ helm repo update

 # Install Headlamp
 helm install headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
-  --namespace <your-namespace> \
+  --namespace kube-system \
  --set config.pluginsDir="/headlamp/plugins" \
  --set pluginsManager.enabled=true

 # Wait for pod to be ready
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> wait --for=condition=ready pod -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp --timeout=300s
+kubectl -n kube-system wait --for=condition=ready pod -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp --timeout=300s
 ```

 ## RBAC Requirements
@@ -112,7 +112,7 @@ The plugin requires permissions to access the Polaris dashboard via Kubernetes s
 ```bash
 # Test if Headlamp service account has permission
 kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-  --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+  --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
  -n polaris \
  --resource-name=polaris-dashboard

@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ EOF

 # Update Headlamp
 helm upgrade --install headlamp headlamp/headlamp \
-  --namespace <your-namespace> \
+  --namespace kube-system \
  --values headlamp-values.yaml
 ```

@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ metadata:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system
 roleRef:
  kind: Role
  name: polaris-proxy-reader
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ EOF

 ```bash
 # Verify plugin files exist
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> exec -it deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \
+kubectl -n kube-system exec -it deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \
  ls /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/dist/

 # Expected output:
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ kubectl -n <your-namespace> exec -it deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \

 # Verify RBAC is correct
 kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-  --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+  --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
  -n polaris \
  --resource-name=polaris-dashboard

@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@ Cluster score badge in top navigation:

 ```bash
 # Verify plugin files exist
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> exec -it deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \
+kubectl -n kube-system exec -it deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \
  ls /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/

 # If missing, reinstall via Headlamp UI or sidecar method
@@ -38,17 +38,17 @@ kubectl get --raw /api/v1/namespaces/polaris/services/polaris-dashboard:80/proxy

 # 3. Verify RBAC permissions
 kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-  --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+  --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
  -n polaris \
  --resource-name=polaris-dashboard

 # Expected output: yes

 # 4. Check Headlamp pod is running
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> get pods -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp
+kubectl -n kube-system get pods -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp

 # 5. Check Headlamp logs for plugin errors
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp | grep -i polaris
+kubectl -n kube-system logs deployment/headlamp | grep -i polaris

 # Expected: No errors
 ```
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ kubectl -n <your-namespace> logs deployment/headlamp | grep -i polaris

 ```bash
 # Verify plugin files exist
-kubectl -n <your-namespace> exec deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \
+kubectl -n kube-system exec deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- \
  ls -la /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/

 # Expected output:
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ kubectl -n polaris get rolebinding headlamp-polaris-proxy

 # Test permission (service account mode)
 kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-  --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+  --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
  -n polaris \
  --resource-name=polaris-dashboard

@@ -33,7 +33,7 @@ This guide covers common issues encountered when using the Headlamp Polaris Plug

 ```bash
 # View Headlamp pod logs (plugin sidecar)
-kubectl logs -n <your-namespace> deployment/headlamp -c headlamp-plugin
+kubectl logs -n kube-system deployment/headlamp -c headlamp-plugin

 # Expected output:
 # Installing plugin from https://github.com/.../headlamp-polaris-plugin-X.Y.Z.tar.gz
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ kubectl logs -n <your-namespace> deployment/headlamp -c headlamp-plugin
 **Verify plugin files exist**:

 ```bash
-kubectl exec -n <your-namespace> deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- ls -la /headlamp/plugins/
+kubectl exec -n kube-system deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- ls -la /headlamp/plugins/
 # Should show: headlamp-polaris-plugin/
 ```

@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ Expected subjects:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system
 ```

 For OIDC mode:
@@ -154,7 +154,7 @@ metadata:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system
 roleRef:
  kind: Role
  name: polaris-proxy-reader
@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ Service account mode:
 ```bash
 # Impersonate Headlamp service account
 kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-  --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+  --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
  --resource-name=polaris-dashboard \
  -n polaris
 # Expected: yes
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
 After applying RBAC changes:

 ```bash
-kubectl rollout restart deployment headlamp -n <your-namespace>
+kubectl rollout restart deployment headlamp -n kube-system
 ```

 ---
@@ -490,7 +490,7 @@ Run this script to test all RBAC components:
 #!/bin/bash
 NS="polaris"
 SA="headlamp"
-SA_NS="<your-namespace>"
+SA_NS="kube-system"

 echo "=== Testing RBAC for Polaris Plugin ==="

@@ -529,8 +529,8 @@ echo "=== Test complete ==="
 Test connectivity from Headlamp to Polaris:

 ```bash
-# Create debug pod in the namespace where Headlamp is installed
-kubectl run netdebug -n <your-namespace> --rm -it --image=nicolaka/netshoot -- bash
+# Create debug pod in kube-system namespace
+kubectl run netdebug -n kube-system --rm -it --image=nicolaka/netshoot -- bash

 # Inside pod, test DNS and HTTP
 nslookup polaris-dashboard.polaris.svc.cluster.local
@@ -545,11 +545,11 @@ If you have audit logging enabled, check for denied requests:

 ```bash
 # View recent audit logs (location varies by cluster)
-kubectl logs -n <your-namespace> kube-apiserver-* | grep polaris-dashboard
+kubectl logs -n kube-system kube-apiserver-* | grep polaris-dashboard

 # Look for lines with:
 # "reason": "Forbidden"
-# "user": "system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp"
+# "user": "system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp"
 ```

 ---
@@ -567,7 +567,7 @@ kubectl logs -n <your-namespace> kube-apiserver-* | grep polaris-dashboard
 **Check sidecar logs**:

 ```bash
-kubectl logs -n <your-namespace> deployment/headlamp -c headlamp-plugin
+kubectl logs -n kube-system deployment/headlamp -c headlamp-plugin
 ```

 **Common errors**:
@@ -591,7 +591,7 @@ Error: 404 Not Found
 **Solution**: Verify `archive-url` in plugin config matches GitHub release:

 ```bash
-kubectl get configmap headlamp-plugin-config -n <your-namespace> -o yaml
+kubectl get configmap headlamp-plugin-config -n kube-system -o yaml
 ```

 Expected format:
@@ -677,13 +677,13 @@ If none of these solutions work, gather debugging information and open an issue:
 1. **Version Information**:

   ```bash
-   kubectl get pods -n <your-namespace> -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp -o yaml | grep image:
+   kubectl get pods -n kube-system -l app.kubernetes.io/name=headlamp -o yaml | grep image:
   ```

 2. **Plugin Version**:

   - Check Settings → Plugins in Headlamp UI
-   - Or: `kubectl exec -n <your-namespace> deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- cat /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/package.json`
+   - Or: `kubectl exec -n kube-system deployment/headlamp -c headlamp -- cat /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris-plugin/package.json`

 3. **Browser Console Output**:

@@ -698,7 +698,7 @@ If none of these solutions work, gather debugging information and open an issue:
 5. **Pod Logs**:

   ```bash
-   kubectl logs -n <your-namespace> deployment/headlamp -c headlamp --tail=100
+   kubectl logs -n kube-system deployment/headlamp -c headlamp --tail=100
   kubectl logs -n polaris deployment/polaris-dashboard --tail=100
   ```

@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ metadata:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system
 roleRef:
  kind: Role
  name: polaris-proxy-reader
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ roleRef:
 ```bash
 # Test service account (in-cluster mode)
 kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-  --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+  --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
  -n polaris \
  --resource-name=polaris-dashboard

@@ -317,7 +317,7 @@ kubectl -n polaris get rolebinding headlamp-polaris-proxy

 # Test permission
 kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-  --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+  --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
  -n polaris \
  --resource-name=polaris-dashboard
 ```
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ metadata:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp # Adjust to your Headlamp SA name
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system # Adjust to Headlamp's namespace
 roleRef:
  kind: Role
  name: polaris-proxy-reader
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ roleRef:
 **Adjust for your environment:**

 - `subjects[0].name` - Your Headlamp service account name (often `headlamp`)
- `subjects[0].namespace` - Namespace where Headlamp is installed
+- `subjects[0].namespace` - Namespace where Headlamp runs (often `kube-system`)

 ### Step 3: Apply and Verify

@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ kubectl -n polaris get rolebinding headlamp-polaris-proxy

 # Test permission
 kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-  --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+  --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
  -n polaris \
  --resource-name=polaris-dashboard

@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ In token-auth mode, **each user's own identity** is used for Kubernetes API requ
 With service account mode:

 - Single RoleBinding grants access to all Headlamp users
- Kubernetes sees all requests as `system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp`
+- Kubernetes sees all requests as `system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp`

 With token-auth mode:

@@ -267,7 +267,7 @@ metadata:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system
 roleRef:
  kind: Role
  name: polaris-proxy-reader
@@ -281,7 +281,7 @@ metadata:
 subjects:
  - kind: ServiceAccount
    name: headlamp
-    namespace: <your-namespace>
+    namespace: kube-system
 roleRef:
  kind: Role
  name: polaris-proxy-reader
@@ -411,7 +411,7 @@ Every plugin data fetch creates a Kubernetes API audit log entry.
  "level": "Metadata",
  "verb": "get",
  "user": {
-    "username": "system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp"
+    "username": "system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp"
  },
  "sourceIPs": ["10.96.0.1"],
  "objectRef": {
@@ -494,7 +494,7 @@ If using a log aggregator (e.g., Elasticsearch), create filters to exclude or do
   ```bash
   # Service account mode
   kubectl auth can-i get services/proxy \
-     --as=system:serviceaccount:<your-namespace>:headlamp \
+     --as=system:serviceaccount:kube-system:headlamp \
     -n polaris \
     --resource-name=polaris-dashboard

@@ -0,0 +1,303 @@
+# E2E Smoke Tests
+
+Playwright-based smoke tests that validate the Polaris plugin against a live Headlamp deployment.
+
+## CI
+
+E2E tests run automatically in GitHub Actions on pushes to `main` and pull requests. The workflow (`.github/workflows/e2e.yaml`):
+
+1. Builds the plugin (`npm run build`)
+2. Creates a ConfigMap from the built `dist/` output
+3. Deploys a stock Headlamp instance via Helm with the plugin mounted as a ConfigMap volume
+4. Generates a ServiceAccount token for test auth
+5. Runs Playwright tests against the E2E instance
+6. Tears down the E2E instance
+
+This approach uses the stock `ghcr.io/headlamp-k8s/headlamp` image with no custom Docker builds. The plugin is loaded via `HEADLAMP_PLUGINS_DIR` volume mount.
+
+### Required GitHub Secrets
+
+Configure these in GitHub repository settings (Settings → Secrets and variables → Actions):
+
+| Secret               | Required | Description                                                    |
+| -------------------- | -------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
+| `AUTHENTIK_USERNAME` | OIDC     | Authentik email or username for a CI user with Headlamp access |
+| `AUTHENTIK_PASSWORD` | OIDC     | Password for that user                                         |
+
+Token-based auth is auto-generated by the deploy script. OIDC secrets are only needed if testing against the shared Headlamp instance.
+
+No `GHCR_TOKEN` or Docker registry secrets are needed — the stock Headlamp image is public.
+
+## Running Locally
+
+### Option 1: OIDC via Authentik (same as CI)
+
+```bash
+AUTHENTIK_USERNAME=you@example.com AUTHENTIK_PASSWORD=... npm run e2e
+```
+
+The default base URL is `https://headlamp.animaniacs.farh.net`. Override with `HEADLAMP_URL` if needed.
+
+### Option 2: K8s bearer token (port-forward)
+
+```bash
+kubectl port-forward -n kube-system svc/headlamp 4466:80
+export HEADLAMP_TOKEN=$(kubectl create token headlamp -n kube-system)
+HEADLAMP_URL=http://localhost:4466 npm run e2e
+```
+
+Or in headed mode (opens a browser window):
+
+```bash
+HEADLAMP_URL=http://localhost:4466 npm run e2e:headed
+```
+
+## Environment Variables
+
+| Variable             | Required | Default                                | Description                             |
+| -------------------- | -------- | -------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------- |
+| `HEADLAMP_URL`       | No       | `https://headlamp.animaniacs.farh.net` | Base URL of the Headlamp instance                    |
+| `AUTHENTIK_USERNAME` | OIDC     | —                                      | Authentik email/username                             |
+| `AUTHENTIK_PASSWORD` | OIDC     | —                                      | Authentik password                                   |
+| `HEADLAMP_TOKEN`     | Token    | —                                      | Kubernetes bearer token (auto-generated in CI)       |
+
+In CI, `HEADLAMP_URL` and `HEADLAMP_TOKEN` are set automatically by the deploy script. For local runs, set either OIDC credentials or a token manually.
+
+## What the Tests Validate
+
+- **Sidebar entry** — The Polaris sidebar item appears after login
+- **Overview page** — Cluster score and check distribution render correctly
+- **Namespaces page** — Table of namespaces loads with clickable links
+- **Namespace detail** — Clicking a namespace shows its score and resource table
+
+These are smoke tests against real cluster data. They verify the plugin loads and renders without errors, not specific data values.
+
+## Test Coverage
+
+### Current Tests (`polaris.spec.ts`)
+
+1. **`sidebar contains Polaris entry`**
+   - Verifies Polaris appears in the navigation sidebar
+   - Ensures plugin successfully registered sidebar entry
+
+2. **`overview page renders cluster score`**
+   - Navigates to `/c/main/polaris`
+   - Checks for "Polaris — Overview" heading
+   - Verifies cluster score percentage is displayed
+   - Validates data fetching and rendering
+
+3. **`namespaces page renders table with namespace buttons`**
+   - Navigates to `/c/main/polaris/namespaces`
+   - Checks for "Polaris — Namespaces" heading
+   - Verifies table is visible with at least one row
+   - Ensures namespace buttons are clickable
+
+4. **`namespace detail drawer opens from table button`**
+   - Clicks first namespace button in table
+   - Verifies drawer opens with namespace name in heading
+   - Checks "Namespace Score" section is visible
+   - Confirms "Resources" table is displayed
+   - Validates URL hash is updated with namespace name
+
+5. **`namespace detail drawer closes with Escape key`**
+   - Opens namespace drawer
+   - Presses Escape key
+   - Verifies drawer closes
+   - Checks URL hash is cleared
+
+6. **`namespace detail drawer opens from URL hash`**
+   - Navigates directly to `/c/main/polaris/namespaces#<namespace>`
+   - Verifies drawer automatically opens
+   - Checks namespace details are displayed
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+### Cluster Requirements
+
+1. **Polaris Deployment**
+   ```bash
+   # Verify Polaris is running
+   kubectl -n polaris get pods
+   kubectl -n polaris get svc polaris-dashboard
+   ```
+
+2. **Polaris Audit Data**
+   ```bash
+   # Check if Polaris has generated audit results
+   kubectl get --raw /api/v1/namespaces/polaris/services/polaris-dashboard:80/proxy/results.json | jq '.AuditTime'
+   ```
+
+3. **RBAC Permissions**
+   - Headlamp service account (or test user) needs `get` on `services/proxy` for `polaris-dashboard`
+   - See main README for RBAC setup
+
+### Local Setup
+
+```bash
+# 1. Install dependencies
+npm install
+npx playwright install chromium
+
+# 2. Create .env file (optional, for persistent config)
+cp .env.example .env
+
+# 3. Set environment variables
+export HEADLAMP_URL=https://your-headlamp-instance.com
+export HEADLAMP_TOKEN=$(kubectl create token headlamp -n kube-system)
+
+# 4. Run tests
+npm run e2e
+```
+
+## Debugging
+
+### Run in Headed Mode
+
+See the browser UI while tests run:
+
+```bash
+npm run e2e:headed
+```
+
+### Enable Debug Mode
+
+Step through tests with Playwright Inspector:
+
+```bash
+npx playwright test --debug
+```
+
+### Generate Trace
+
+Record full trace for failed tests:
+
+```bash
+npx playwright test --trace on
+npx playwright show-trace test-results/<test-name>/trace.zip
+```
+
+### Screenshot on Failure
+
+Tests automatically capture screenshots on failure in `test-results/`
+
+### Common Issues
+
+**Auth fails with "Sign In button not found":**
+- Check HEADLAMP_URL is correct
+- Verify Headlamp is accessible
+- Ensure OIDC is configured if using Authentik
+
+**Polaris sidebar entry not found:**
+- Plugin may not be installed: Check Settings → Plugins in Headlamp
+- Plugin may have failed to load: Check browser console
+- Clear browser cache and hard refresh
+
+**Cluster score not displayed:**
+- Polaris may not have audit data yet
+- Check Polaris is running: `kubectl -n polaris get pods`
+- Verify service proxy: `kubectl get --raw /api/v1/namespaces/polaris/services/polaris-dashboard:80/proxy/results.json`
+
+**Namespace table empty:**
+- Polaris hasn't run audit yet (wait a few minutes)
+- Check Polaris logs: `kubectl -n polaris logs -l app.kubernetes.io/name=polaris`
+
+## Writing New Tests
+
+### Example: Testing Plugin Settings
+
+```typescript
+test('plugin settings page shows Polaris configuration', async ({ page }) => {
+  await page.goto('/c/main/settings/plugins');
+
+  // Find and click Polaris plugin
+  await page.getByText('headlamp-polaris-plugin').click();
+
+  // Check settings are visible
+  await expect(page.getByText('Polaris Settings')).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(page.getByText('Refresh Interval')).toBeVisible();
+  await expect(page.getByText('Dashboard URL')).toBeVisible();
+});
+```
+
+### Example: Testing App Bar Badge
+
+```typescript
+test('app bar displays Polaris score badge', async ({ page }) => {
+  await page.goto('/c/main');
+
+  // Badge should be visible in app bar
+  const badge = page.getByRole('button', { name: /Polaris: \d+%/ });
+  await expect(badge).toBeVisible();
+
+  // Clicking should navigate to overview
+  await badge.click();
+  await expect(page).toHaveURL(/\/c\/main\/polaris$/);
+});
+```
+
+### Example: Testing Dark Mode
+
+```typescript
+test('plugin UI adapts to dark mode', async ({ page }) => {
+  await page.goto('/c/main/polaris');
+
+  // Toggle dark mode
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: /theme/i }).click();
+
+  // Check background color changes
+  const body = page.locator('body');
+  await expect(body).toHaveCSS('background-color', 'rgb(18, 18, 18)');
+
+  // Plugin components should adapt
+  const sectionBox = page.locator('[class*="MuiPaper"]').first();
+  await expect(sectionBox).not.toHaveCSS('background-color', 'rgb(255, 255, 255)');
+});
+```
+
+## CI/CD Integration
+
+Tests run automatically in GitHub Actions on pushes to `main` and pull requests. See `.github/workflows/e2e.yaml` for workflow configuration.
+
+### Architecture
+
+The E2E workflow deploys a **dedicated Headlamp instance** for each test run:
+
+1. Build plugin (`npm run build`)
+2. Create ConfigMap from `dist/` output (`scripts/deploy-e2e-headlamp.sh`)
+3. Deploy stock Headlamp via Helm with ConfigMap volume mount
+4. Run Playwright tests against the E2E instance
+5. Tear down (`scripts/teardown-e2e-headlamp.sh`)
+
+No custom Docker images, no PVCs, no kubectl exec/cp, no patching of existing deployments. The plugin is mounted from a ConfigMap into the stock Headlamp image.
+
+### Cluster Prerequisites
+
+One-time setup by a cluster admin:
+
+```bash
+kubectl apply -f deployment/e2e-ci-runner-rbac.yaml
+```
+
+### Manual Trigger
+
+You can manually trigger E2E tests from GitHub Actions:
+1. Go to Actions → E2E Tests
+2. Click "Run workflow"
+3. Select branch and run
+
+## Best Practices
+
+1. **Use semantic selectors**: `getByRole`, `getByText` over CSS selectors
+2. **Wait for visibility**: Use `await expect(...).toBeVisible()` instead of `waitForTimeout`
+3. **Keep tests independent**: Each test should work in isolation
+4. **Test user flows**: Complete journeys, not just page loads
+5. **Clean up state**: Close drawers/modals after tests
+6. **Use storage state**: Reuse auth across tests (already configured)
+7. **Parallelize carefully**: Currently disabled due to shared state
+
+## Resources
+
+- [Playwright Documentation](https://playwright.dev/)
+- [Playwright Best Practices](https://playwright.dev/docs/best-practices)
+- [Headlamp Plugin Development](https://headlamp.dev/docs/latest/development/plugins/)
+- [Project Main README](../README.md)
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+
+test.describe('Polaris app bar badge', () => {
+  test('badge displays cluster score in app bar', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/c/main');
+
+    // Wait for page to load
+    await expect(page.getByRole('navigation', { name: 'Navigation' })).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Badge should be visible in app bar with score percentage
+    const badge = page.getByRole('button', { name: /Polaris: \d+%/ });
+    await expect(badge).toBeVisible({ timeout: 15_000 });
+
+    // Badge should show shield emoji
+    await expect(badge).toContainText('🛡️');
+  });
+
+  test('clicking badge navigates to overview page', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/c/main');
+
+    // Find and click the badge
+    const badge = page.getByRole('button', { name: /Polaris: \d+%/ });
+    await expect(badge).toBeVisible({ timeout: 15_000 });
+    await badge.click();
+
+    // Should navigate to Polaris overview
+    await expect(page).toHaveURL(/\/c\/main\/polaris$/);
+    await expect(page.getByRole('heading', { name: 'Polaris — Overview' })).toBeVisible();
+  });
+
+  test('badge color reflects score level', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/c/main');
+
+    // Get the badge
+    const badge = page.getByRole('button', { name: /Polaris: \d+%/ });
+    await expect(badge).toBeVisible({ timeout: 15_000 });
+
+    // Extract score from button text
+    const badgeText = await badge.textContent();
+    const scoreMatch = badgeText?.match(/(\d+)%/);
+    expect(scoreMatch).toBeTruthy();
+
+    const score = parseInt(scoreMatch![1]);
+
+    // Check background color matches score level
+    const bgColor = await badge.evaluate(el =>
+      window.getComputedStyle(el).backgroundColor
+    );
+
+    // Verify that the badge has a non-default background color applied
+    // (theme-dependent RGB values vary across Headlamp versions, so we
+    // only assert that a real color is set rather than transparent/default)
+    expect(bgColor).not.toBe('rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)');
+    expect(bgColor).not.toBe('transparent');
+    expect(bgColor).toMatch(/^rgb/);
+  });
+
+  test('badge updates when navigating between clusters', async ({ page }) => {
+    // This test assumes multi-cluster setup; skip if only one cluster
+    await page.goto('/c/main');
+
+    // Get initial badge score
+    const badge = page.getByRole('button', { name: /Polaris: \d+%/ });
+    await expect(badge).toBeVisible({ timeout: 15_000 });
+    const initialScore = await badge.textContent();
+
+    // Try to switch clusters (if available)
+    const clusterSelector = page.getByRole('button', { name: /cluster/i });
+    if (await clusterSelector.isVisible()) {
+      // Note: This part will only work in multi-cluster setups
+      // For single-cluster, this test will just verify badge persists
+      await clusterSelector.click();
+
+      // Select different cluster if available
+      const clusterOptions = page.getByRole('menuitem');
+      const count = await clusterOptions.count();
+
+      if (count > 1) {
+        await clusterOptions.nth(1).click();
+
+        // Badge should update or disappear (if new cluster doesn't have Polaris)
+        // This is just verifying no crash occurs
+        await page.waitForTimeout(2000);
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Badge should still be functional
+    await expect(badge).toBeEnabled();
+  });
+});
@@ -0,0 +1,79 @@
+import { test as setup, expect, Page } from '@playwright/test';
+
+const AUTH_STATE_PATH = 'e2e/.auth/state.json';
+
+async function authenticateWithOIDC(page: Page, username: string, password: string): Promise<void> {
+  // Navigate to login — Headlamp redirects / to /c/main/login
+  await page.goto('/');
+  await page.waitForURL('**/login');
+
+  // Click "Sign In" and capture the Authentik popup
+  const popupPromise = page.waitForEvent('popup');
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: /sign in/i }).click();
+  const popup = await popupPromise;
+
+  // Wait for the Authentik popup to fully load before interacting
+  await popup.waitForLoadState('domcontentloaded');
+  await popup.waitForLoadState('networkidle');
+
+  // Authentik step 1: fill username — wait for the form to render
+  const usernameField = popup.getByRole('textbox', { name: /email or username/i });
+  await usernameField.waitFor({ state: 'visible', timeout: 15_000 });
+  await usernameField.fill(username);
+  await popup.getByRole('button', { name: /log in/i }).click();
+
+  // Authentik step 2: fill password — wait for the next step to load
+  await popup.waitForLoadState('networkidle');
+  const passwordField = popup.getByRole('textbox', { name: /password/i });
+  await passwordField.waitFor({ state: 'visible', timeout: 15_000 });
+  await passwordField.fill(password);
+  await popup.getByRole('button', { name: /continue|log in/i }).click();
+
+  // Wait for the popup to close (Authentik redirects back, Headlamp processes callback)
+  await popup.waitForEvent('close', { timeout: 15_000 });
+
+  // Original page should now be authenticated — wait for sidebar
+  await expect(page.getByRole('navigation', { name: 'Navigation' })).toBeVisible({
+    timeout: 15_000,
+  });
+}
+
+async function authenticateWithToken(page: Page, token: string): Promise<void> {
+  await page.goto('/');
+  // Headlamp goes to /token directly when no OIDC is configured,
+  // or through /login when OIDC is configured
+  await page.waitForURL(/\/(login|token)$/);
+
+  if (page.url().includes('/login')) {
+    // OIDC login page — click "use a token" to reach token auth
+    await page.getByRole('button', { name: /use a token/i }).click();
+    await page.waitForURL('**/token');
+  }
+
+  // Fill the "ID token" field and submit
+  await page.getByRole('textbox', { name: /id token/i }).fill(token);
+  await page.getByRole('button', { name: /authenticate/i }).click();
+
+  // Wait for the main UI to load
+  await expect(page.getByRole('navigation', { name: 'Navigation' })).toBeVisible({
+    timeout: 15_000,
+  });
+}
+
+setup('authenticate with Headlamp', async ({ page }) => {
+  const username = process.env.AUTHENTIK_USERNAME;
+  const password = process.env.AUTHENTIK_PASSWORD;
+  const token = process.env.HEADLAMP_TOKEN;
+
+  if (username && password) {
+    await authenticateWithOIDC(page, username, password);
+  } else if (token) {
+    await authenticateWithToken(page, token);
+  } else {
+    throw new Error(
+      'Set AUTHENTIK_USERNAME + AUTHENTIK_PASSWORD for OIDC auth, or HEADLAMP_TOKEN for token auth'
+    );
+  }
+
+  await page.context().storageState({ path: AUTH_STATE_PATH });
+});
@@ -0,0 +1,110 @@
+import { test, expect } from '@playwright/test';
+
+test.describe('Polaris plugin smoke tests', () => {
+  test('sidebar contains Polaris entry', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/');
+    // The sidebar is the "Navigation" nav element (not "Appbar Tools")
+    const sidebar = page.getByRole('navigation', { name: 'Navigation' });
+    await expect(sidebar).toBeVisible({ timeout: 15_000 });
+    await expect(sidebar.getByRole('button', { name: 'Polaris' })).toBeVisible();
+  });
+
+  test('overview page renders cluster score', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/c/main/polaris');
+
+    // SectionHeader renders a heading
+    await expect(page.getByRole('heading', { name: 'Polaris \u2014 Overview' })).toBeVisible();
+
+    // "Cluster Score" section exists with a percentage
+    await expect(page.getByText('Cluster Score')).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(page.locator('main').getByText(/%/).first()).toBeVisible();
+  });
+
+  test('namespaces page renders table with namespace buttons', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/c/main/polaris/namespaces');
+
+    await expect(page.getByRole('heading', { name: 'Polaris \u2014 Namespaces' })).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Table should have at least one row with a namespace button
+    const table = page.locator('table');
+    await expect(table).toBeVisible();
+    const rows = table.locator('tbody tr');
+    await expect(rows.first()).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Each namespace row should contain a button (now buttons instead of links for drawer)
+    const firstButton = rows.first().locator('button');
+    await expect(firstButton).toBeVisible();
+  });
+
+  test('namespace detail drawer opens from table button', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/c/main/polaris/namespaces');
+
+    // Click the first namespace button in the table
+    const table = page.locator('table');
+    await expect(table).toBeVisible();
+    const firstButton = table.locator('tbody tr').first().locator('button');
+    const namespaceName = await firstButton.textContent();
+    await firstButton.click();
+
+    // Drawer should open and show the namespace name in the heading
+    await expect(
+      page.getByRole('heading', { name: `Polaris \u2014 ${namespaceName}` })
+    ).toBeVisible();
+
+    // "Namespace Score" section should be present in drawer
+    await expect(page.getByText('Namespace Score')).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Resources table should exist in drawer
+    await expect(page.getByRole('heading', { name: 'Resources' })).toBeVisible();
+
+    // URL hash should be updated with namespace name
+    await expect(page).toHaveURL(/\/polaris\/namespaces#/);
+  });
+
+  test('namespace detail drawer closes with Escape key', async ({ page }) => {
+    await page.goto('/c/main/polaris/namespaces');
+
+    // Open the drawer by clicking a namespace button
+    const table = page.locator('table');
+    await expect(table).toBeVisible();
+    const firstButton = table.locator('tbody tr').first().locator('button');
+    const namespaceName = await firstButton.textContent();
+    await firstButton.click();
+
+    // Verify drawer is open
+    await expect(
+      page.getByRole('heading', { name: `Polaris \u2014 ${namespaceName}` })
+    ).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Press Escape key
+    await page.keyboard.press('Escape');
+
+    // Drawer should close (heading should not be visible anymore)
+    await expect(
+      page.getByRole('heading', { name: `Polaris \u2014 ${namespaceName}` })
+    ).not.toBeVisible();
+
+    // URL hash should be cleared
+    await expect(page).toHaveURL(/\/polaris\/namespaces$/);
+  });
+
+  test('namespace detail drawer opens from URL hash', async ({ page }) => {
+    // Get a namespace name first
+    await page.goto('/c/main/polaris/namespaces');
+    const table = page.locator('table');
+    await expect(table).toBeVisible();
+    const firstButton = table.locator('tbody tr').first().locator('button');
+    const namespaceName = await firstButton.textContent();
+
+    // Navigate directly to URL with hash
+    await page.goto(`/c/main/polaris/namespaces#${namespaceName}`);
+
+    // Drawer should automatically open with the namespace details
+    await expect(
+      page.getByRole('heading', { name: `Polaris \u2014 ${namespaceName}` })
+    ).toBeVisible();
+
+    // "Namespace Score" section should be present
+    await expect(page.getByText('Namespace Score')).toBeVisible();
+  });
+});
@@ -0,0 +1,90 @@
+import { test, expect, Page } from '@playwright/test';
+
+/** Navigate to the Polaris plugin settings page and wait for settings to render. */
+async function goToPolarisSettings(page: Page) {
+  // Headlamp's plugin settings page is a HOME-context route at /settings/plugins,
+  // not an in-cluster route (/c/main/settings/plugins would 404). Headlamp loads
+  // plugin scripts asynchronously on SPA init. When registerPluginSettings() fires,
+  // it dispatches a Redux action — PluginSettings uses useTypedSelector so it
+  // re-renders automatically once the plugin registers. No preloading needed.
+  await page.goto('/settings/plugins');
+
+  // Wait for the plugin to appear in the settings list. The timeout covers
+  // async plugin script loading + registration.
+  const pluginEntry = page.locator('text=headlamp-polaris').first();
+  await expect(pluginEntry).toBeVisible({ timeout: 30_000 });
+  await pluginEntry.click();
+
+  // Wait for the PolarisSettings component to render
+  await expect(page.getByText('Polaris Settings')).toBeVisible({ timeout: 15_000 });
+}
+
+test.describe('Polaris plugin settings', () => {
+  test('settings page shows configuration options', async ({ page }) => {
+    await goToPolarisSettings(page);
+
+    // SectionBox title should be visible
+    await expect(page.getByText('Polaris Settings')).toBeVisible();
+  });
+
+  test('refresh interval setting is configurable', async ({ page }) => {
+    await goToPolarisSettings(page);
+
+    // Find the refresh interval dropdown
+    const intervalSelect = page.locator('select').filter({ hasText: /minute|second/ });
+    await expect(intervalSelect).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Get current value
+    const currentValue = await intervalSelect.inputValue();
+
+    // Change to a different value
+    const newValue = currentValue === '300' ? '600' : '300';
+    await intervalSelect.selectOption(newValue);
+
+    // Value should be updated
+    await expect(intervalSelect).toHaveValue(newValue);
+  });
+
+  test('dashboard URL setting is configurable', async ({ page }) => {
+    await goToPolarisSettings(page);
+
+    // Find the dashboard URL input
+    const urlInput = page.getByPlaceholder(/polaris-dashboard/);
+    await expect(urlInput).toBeVisible();
+
+    // Input should have the default proxy URL or custom URL
+    const currentUrl = await urlInput.inputValue();
+    expect(currentUrl).toBeTruthy();
+
+    // Examples text should be visible
+    await expect(page.getByText('Examples:')).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(page.getByText(/K8s proxy:/)).toBeVisible();
+  });
+
+  test('connection test button is available', async ({ page }) => {
+    await goToPolarisSettings(page);
+
+    // Find and verify test connection button
+    const testButton = page.getByRole('button', { name: /test connection/i });
+    await expect(testButton).toBeVisible();
+    await expect(testButton).toBeEnabled();
+  });
+
+  test('connection test works with valid URL', async ({ page }) => {
+    await goToPolarisSettings(page);
+
+    // Click test connection
+    const testButton = page.getByRole('button', { name: /test connection/i });
+    await testButton.click();
+
+    // Wait for either success or error message
+    // Note: This will succeed if Polaris is accessible, fail otherwise
+    await page.waitForSelector('text=/Connected successfully|Connection failed/', {
+      timeout: 15_000,
+    });
+
+    // Either success or failure is acceptable (depends on environment)
+    const result = await page.textContent('body');
+    expect(result).toMatch(/(Connected successfully|Connection failed)/);
+  });
+});
@@ -23,7 +23,9 @@
    "format": "prettier --write src/",
    "format:check": "prettier --check src/",
    "test": "vitest run",
-    "test:watch": "vitest"
+    "test:watch": "vitest",
+    "e2e": "playwright test",
+    "e2e:headed": "playwright test --headed"
  },
  "peerDependencies": {
    "react": "^18.0.0",
@@ -33,17 +35,13 @@
    "overrides": {
      "tar": "^7.5.11",
      "undici": "^7.24.3",
-      "flatted": "^3.4.2",
-      "lodash": ">=4.18.0",
-      "picomatch": ">=4.0.4",
-      "vite": ">=6.4.2",
-      "elliptic": ">=6.6.1",
-      "fast-uri": ">=3.1.2"
+      "flatted": "^3.4.2"
    }
  },
  "devDependencies": {
-    "@kinvolk/headlamp-plugin": "^0.14.0",
+    "@kinvolk/headlamp-plugin": "^0.13.0",
    "@mui/material": "^5.15.14",
+    "@playwright/test": "^1.58.2",
    "@testing-library/jest-dom": "^6.4.8",
    "@testing-library/react": "^16.0.0",
    "@testing-library/user-event": "^14.5.2",
@@ -0,0 +1,27 @@
+import { defineConfig, devices } from '@playwright/test';
+
+export default defineConfig({
+  testDir: './e2e',
+  timeout: 30_000,
+  expect: { timeout: 10_000 },
+  fullyParallel: false,
+  forbidOnly: !!process.env.CI,
+  retries: process.env.CI ? 1 : 0,
+  reporter: 'list',
+  use: {
+    baseURL: process.env.HEADLAMP_URL || 'https://headlamp.animaniacs.farh.net',
+    trace: 'on-first-retry',
+    screenshot: 'only-on-failure',
+  },
+  projects: [
+    { name: 'setup', testMatch: /auth\.setup\.ts/, timeout: 60_000 },
+    {
+      name: 'chromium',
+      use: {
+        ...devices['Desktop Chrome'],
+        storageState: 'e2e/.auth/state.json',
+      },
+      dependencies: ['setup'],
+    },
+  ],
+});
@@ -1,5 +1,21 @@
 {
  "$schema": "https://docs.renovatebot.com/renovate-schema.json",
-  "extends": ["github>privilegedescalation/.github:renovate-config"]
+  "extends": ["config:recommended"],
+  "baseBranches": ["main"],
+  "schedule": ["every weekend"],
+  "prConcurrentLimit": 10,
+  "pinDigests": true,
+  "packageRules": [
+    {
+      "matchManagers": ["npm"],
+      "matchUpdateTypes": ["minor", "patch"],
+      "groupName": "npm minor and patch"
+    },
+    {
+      "matchManagers": ["github-actions"],
+      "matchUpdateTypes": ["minor", "patch"],
+      "groupName": "github-actions minor and patch"
+    }
+  ]
 }

@@ -0,0 +1,200 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+# deploy-e2e-headlamp.sh
+#
+# Deploys a stock Headlamp instance with the polaris plugin loaded via
+# a ConfigMap volume mount. No custom Docker images — the plugin is built
+# in CI and injected as a ConfigMap.
+#
+# E2E resources are deployed to the `privilegedescalation-dev` namespace. Nothing
+# persists beyond the test run — teardown cleans up all created resources.
+#
+# Prerequisites:
+#   - Plugin built (dist/ exists with plugin-main.js + package.json)
+#   - kubectl configured with cluster access
+#   - RBAC applied: kubectl apply -f deployment/e2e-ci-runner-rbac.yaml
+#
+# Environment:
+#   E2E_NAMESPACE     — namespace for E2E Headlamp (default: privilegedescalation-dev)
+#   E2E_RELEASE       — release/resource name prefix (default: headlamp-e2e)
+#   HEADLAMP_VERSION  — Headlamp image tag (default: latest)
+set -euo pipefail
+
+REPO_ROOT="$(cd "$(dirname "$0")/.." && pwd)"
+DIST_DIR="$REPO_ROOT/dist"
+
+E2E_NAMESPACE="${E2E_NAMESPACE:-privilegedescalation-dev}"
+E2E_RELEASE="${E2E_RELEASE:-headlamp-e2e}"
+HEADLAMP_VERSION="${HEADLAMP_VERSION:-latest}"
+
+if [ ! -d "$DIST_DIR" ]; then
+  echo "ERROR: dist/ not found. Run 'npm run build' first." >&2
+  exit 1
+fi
+
+# --- Preflight: verify RBAC before touching the cluster ---
+echo "Checking RBAC permissions in namespace '${E2E_NAMESPACE}'..."
+if ! kubectl auth can-i delete configmaps -n "$E2E_NAMESPACE" --quiet 2>/dev/null; then
+  echo "ERROR: Missing RBAC — cannot delete configmaps in namespace '${E2E_NAMESPACE}'." >&2
+  echo "  Apply RBAC first: kubectl apply -f deployment/e2e-ci-runner-rbac.yaml" >&2
+  exit 1
+fi
+
+echo "=== E2E Headlamp Deployment ==="
+echo "  Image:     ghcr.io/headlamp-k8s/headlamp:${HEADLAMP_VERSION}"
+echo "  Namespace: $E2E_NAMESPACE"
+echo "  Release:   $E2E_RELEASE"
+
+# --- Create ConfigMap from built plugin ---
+echo ""
+echo "Creating ConfigMap with plugin files..."
+
+# Delete existing ConfigMap if present (idempotent redeploy)
+kubectl delete configmap headlamp-polaris-plugin \
+  -n "$E2E_NAMESPACE" --ignore-not-found
+
+# Create ConfigMap from dist/ contents and package.json
+kubectl create configmap headlamp-polaris-plugin \
+  -n "$E2E_NAMESPACE" \
+  --from-file="$DIST_DIR" \
+  --from-file=package.json="$REPO_ROOT/package.json"
+
+# --- Deploy Headlamp via kubectl apply ---
+echo ""
+echo "Deploying Headlamp E2E instance..."
+
+kubectl apply -f - <<EOF
+apiVersion: v1
+kind: ServiceAccount
+metadata:
+  name: ${E2E_RELEASE}
+  namespace: ${E2E_NAMESPACE}
+---
+apiVersion: apps/v1
+kind: Deployment
+metadata:
+  name: ${E2E_RELEASE}
+  namespace: ${E2E_NAMESPACE}
+  labels:
+    app.kubernetes.io/name: headlamp
+    app.kubernetes.io/instance: ${E2E_RELEASE}
+spec:
+  replicas: 1
+  selector:
+    matchLabels:
+      app.kubernetes.io/name: headlamp
+      app.kubernetes.io/instance: ${E2E_RELEASE}
+  template:
+    metadata:
+      labels:
+        app.kubernetes.io/name: headlamp
+        app.kubernetes.io/instance: ${E2E_RELEASE}
+    spec:
+      serviceAccountName: ${E2E_RELEASE}
+      automountServiceAccountToken: true
+      securityContext: {}
+      containers:
+        - name: headlamp
+          image: ghcr.io/headlamp-k8s/headlamp:${HEADLAMP_VERSION}
+          imagePullPolicy: IfNotPresent
+          securityContext:
+            runAsNonRoot: true
+            privileged: false
+            runAsUser: 100
+            runAsGroup: 101
+          args:
+            - "-in-cluster"
+            - "-in-cluster-context-name=main"
+            - "-plugins-dir=/headlamp/plugins"
+          ports:
+            - name: http
+              containerPort: 4466
+              protocol: TCP
+          readinessProbe:
+            httpGet:
+              path: /
+              port: http
+            initialDelaySeconds: 5
+            periodSeconds: 5
+            failureThreshold: 6
+          livenessProbe:
+            httpGet:
+              path: /
+              port: http
+            initialDelaySeconds: 10
+            periodSeconds: 10
+          volumeMounts:
+            - name: polaris-plugin
+              mountPath: /headlamp/plugins/headlamp-polaris
+              readOnly: true
+      volumes:
+        - name: polaris-plugin
+          configMap:
+            name: headlamp-polaris-plugin
+---
+apiVersion: v1
+kind: Service
+metadata:
+  name: ${E2E_RELEASE}
+  namespace: ${E2E_NAMESPACE}
+  labels:
+    app.kubernetes.io/name: headlamp
+    app.kubernetes.io/instance: ${E2E_RELEASE}
+spec:
+  type: ClusterIP
+  selector:
+    app.kubernetes.io/name: headlamp
+    app.kubernetes.io/instance: ${E2E_RELEASE}
+  ports:
+    - name: http
+      port: 80
+      targetPort: http
+      protocol: TCP
+EOF
+
+echo "Waiting for rollout..."
+kubectl rollout status "deployment/${E2E_RELEASE}" \
+  -n "$E2E_NAMESPACE" --timeout=120s
+
+# --- Generate a service URL for tests ---
+SVC_URL="http://${E2E_RELEASE}.${E2E_NAMESPACE}.svc.cluster.local"
+
+# --- Wait for DNS and HTTP reachability ---
+# rollout status only confirms the pod is ready per readinessProbe.
+# Kubernetes Service DNS may still be propagating to the runner pod.
+# Poll until the service is reachable over HTTP before handing off.
+echo ""
+echo "Waiting for ${SVC_URL} to be reachable..."
+ATTEMPTS=0
+MAX_ATTEMPTS=24  # 24 × 5s = 120s max
+until curl -sf --max-time 5 "${SVC_URL}" -o /dev/null 2>/dev/null; do
+  ATTEMPTS=$((ATTEMPTS + 1))
+  if [ "$ATTEMPTS" -ge "$MAX_ATTEMPTS" ]; then
+    echo "ERROR: ${SVC_URL} not reachable after $((MAX_ATTEMPTS * 5))s" >&2
+    exit 1
+  fi
+  echo "  [${ATTEMPTS}/${MAX_ATTEMPTS}] not yet reachable, retrying in 5s..."
+  sleep 5
+done
+echo ""
+echo "E2E Headlamp is ready at: ${SVC_URL}"
+echo "  export HEADLAMP_URL=${SVC_URL}"
+
+# --- Generate a token for test auth ---
+echo ""
+echo "Creating service account token for E2E auth..."
+kubectl create serviceaccount headlamp-e2e-test \
+  -n "$E2E_NAMESPACE" --dry-run=client -o yaml | kubectl apply -f -
+
+TOKEN=$(kubectl create token headlamp-e2e-test -n "$E2E_NAMESPACE" --duration=1h 2>/dev/null || echo "")
+if [ -n "$TOKEN" ]; then
+  echo "  export HEADLAMP_TOKEN=<generated>"
+  echo ""
+  echo "HEADLAMP_URL=${SVC_URL}" > "$REPO_ROOT/.env.e2e"
+  echo "HEADLAMP_TOKEN=${TOKEN}" >> "$REPO_ROOT/.env.e2e"
+  echo "Wrote .env.e2e with HEADLAMP_URL and HEADLAMP_TOKEN"
+else
+  echo "  WARNING: Could not generate token. Set HEADLAMP_TOKEN manually or use OIDC."
+fi
+
+echo ""
+echo "E2E deployment complete."
@@ -0,0 +1,34 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+# teardown-e2e-headlamp.sh
+#
+# Tears down the dedicated E2E Headlamp instance deployed by deploy-e2e-headlamp.sh.
+#
+# Environment:
+#   E2E_NAMESPACE  — namespace to clean up (default: privilegedescalation-dev)
+#   E2E_RELEASE    — release/resource name prefix (default: headlamp-e2e)
+set -euo pipefail
+
+REPO_ROOT="$(cd "$(dirname "$0")/.." && pwd)"
+
+E2E_NAMESPACE="${E2E_NAMESPACE:-privilegedescalation-dev}"
+E2E_RELEASE="${E2E_RELEASE:-headlamp-e2e}"
+
+echo "=== E2E Headlamp Teardown ==="
+echo "  Namespace: $E2E_NAMESPACE"
+echo "  Release:   $E2E_RELEASE"
+
+echo "Removing Headlamp Deployment, Service, and ServiceAccount..."
+kubectl delete deployment "${E2E_RELEASE}" -n "$E2E_NAMESPACE" --ignore-not-found
+kubectl delete service "${E2E_RELEASE}" -n "$E2E_NAMESPACE" --ignore-not-found
+kubectl delete serviceaccount "${E2E_RELEASE}" -n "$E2E_NAMESPACE" --ignore-not-found
+
+echo "Cleaning up ConfigMap..."
+kubectl delete configmap headlamp-polaris-plugin -n "$E2E_NAMESPACE" --ignore-not-found
+
+echo "Cleaning up test service account..."
+kubectl delete serviceaccount headlamp-e2e-test -n "$E2E_NAMESPACE" --ignore-not-found
+
+# Clean up local env file
+rm -f "$REPO_ROOT/.env.e2e"
+
+echo "Teardown complete."