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Kubernetes Kubelet must enable kernel protection.


Overview

Finding ID Version Rule ID IA Controls Severity
V-242434 CNTR-K8-001620 SV-242434r712658_rule High
Description
System kernel is responsible for memory, disk, and task management. The kernel provides a gateway between the system hardware and software. Kubernetes requires kernel access to allocate resources to the Control Plane. Threat actors that penetrate the system kernel can inject malicious code or hijack the Kubernetes architecture. It is vital to implement protections through Kubernetes components to reduce the attack surface.
STIG Date
Kubernetes Security Technical Implementation Guide 2021-04-14

Details

Check Text ( C-45709r712656_chk )
Change to the /etc/sysconfig/ directory on the Kubernetes Master Node. Run the command:

grep -i protect-kernel-defaults kubelet

If the setting "protect-kernel-defaults" is set to false or not set in the Kubernetes Kubelet, this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-45667r712657_fix)
Edit the Kubernetes Kuberlet file in the /etc/sysconfig directory on the Kubernetes Master Node. Set the argument "--protect-kernel-defaults" to "true".

Reset Kubelet service using the following command:

service kubelet restart