cis-k8s-v1111-2-7

name	cis-k8s-v1111-2.7
description	Ensure that the --peer-auto-tls argument is not set to true (Automated)
category	cis-k8s
version	1.11.1
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","kubernetes","etcd","encryption","tls","certificates","peer-authentication"]
cis_id	2.7
cis_benchmark	CIS Kubernetes Benchmark v1.11.1
tech_stack	["kubernetes"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

2.7 Ensure that the --peer-auto-tls argument is not set to true (Automated)

Profile Applicability

• Level 1 - Master Node

Description

Do not use automatically generated self-signed certificates for TLS connections between peers.

Rationale

etcd is a highly-available key value store used by Kubernetes deployments for persistent storage of all of its REST API objects. These objects are sensitive in nature and should be accessible only by authenticated etcd peers in the etcd cluster. Hence, do not use self-signed certificates for authentication.

Impact

All peers attempting to communicate with the etcd server will require a valid client certificate for authentication.

Audit

Run the following command on the etcd server node:

ps -ef | grep etcd

Verify that if the --peer-auto-tls argument exists, it is not set to true. Note: This recommendation is applicable only for etcd clusters. If you are using only one etcd server in your environment then this recommendation is not applicable.

Remediation

Edit the etcd pod specification file /etc/kubernetes/manifests/etcd.yaml on the master node and either remove the --peer-auto-tls parameter or set it to false.

--peer-auto-tls=false

Default Value

Note: This recommendation is applicable only for etcd clusters. If you are using only one etcd server in your environment then this recommendation is not applicable.

By default, --peer-auto-tls argument is set to false.

References

1. https://coreos.com/etcd/docs/latest/op-guide/security.html
2. https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/etcd/
3. https://coreos.com/etcd/docs/latest/op-guide/configuration.html#peer-auto-tls

CIS Controls

Controls Version	Control	IG 1	IG 2	IG 3
v8	5.2 Use Unique Passwords	x	x	x
v7