cis-k8s-v200-1-2-16

name	cis-k8s-v200-1.2.16
description	Ensure that the --audit-log-path argument is set (Automated)
category	cis-k8s
version	2.0.0
author	cyberstrike-official
tags	["cis","kubernetes","control-plane","api-server","audit-logging","logging"]
cis_id	1.2.16
cis_benchmark	CIS Kubernetes Benchmark v2.0.0
tech_stack	["kubernetes"]
cwe_ids	[]
chains_with	[]
prerequisites	[]
severity_boost	{}

1.2.16 Ensure that the --audit-log-path argument is set (Automated)

Profile Applicability

• Level 1 - Master Node

Description

Enable auditing on the Kubernetes API Server and set the desired audit log path.

Rationale

Auditing the Kubernetes API Server provides a security-relevant chronological set of records documenting the sequence of activities that have affected system by individual users, administrators or other components of the system. Even though currently, Kubernetes provides only basic audit capabilities, it should be enabled. You can enable it by setting an appropriate audit log path.

Impact

None

Audit

Run the following command on the Control Plane node:

ps -ef | grep kube-apiserver

Verify that the --audit-log-path argument is set as appropriate.

Remediation

Edit the API server pod specification file /etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml on the Control Plane node and set the --audit-log-path parameter to a suitable path and file where you would like audit logs to be written, for example:

--audit-log-path=/var/log/apiserver/audit.log

Default Value

By default, auditing is not enabled.

References

1. https://kubernetes.io/docs/reference/command-line-tools-reference/kube-apiserver/
2. https://kubernetes.io/docs/tasks/debug/debug-cluster/audit/
3. https://github.com/kubernetes/enhancements/issues/22

CIS Controls

Controls Version	Control	IG 1	IG 2	IG 3
v8	8.2 Collect Audit Logs	*	*	*
v7	6.2 Activate audit logging	*	*	*