Simplify cross-account and cross-Region stack output references with AWS CloudFormation and CDK’s new Fn::GetStackOutput

This article introduces Fn::GetStackOutput, a new CloudFormation intrinsic function enabling direct stack output references across AWS accounts and Regions.

• References stack outputs across accounts and Regions without explicit exports
• Supports same account/Region, cross-Region, cross-account, and cross-account/Region scenarios
• Requires IAM role with cloudformation:DescribeStacks permissions for cross-account access
• Creates weak references; producer stack deletion is not blocked by CloudFormation
• AWS CDK automatically uses Fn::GetStackOutput for cross-account/Region references
• Comparison: Fn::ImportValue provides strong referential integrity within same account/Region only
• Best practices include enabling deletion protection and documenting stack dependencies

Fn::GetStackOutput simplifies multi-account infrastructure management by eliminating manual value sharing and reducing configuration drift risks.