Kubernetes API Server must disable basic authentication to protect information in transit.
Overview
| Finding ID | Version | Rule ID | IA Controls | Severity |
| V-245542 | CNTR-K8-002620 | SV-245542r961632_rule | CCI-002448 | high |
| Description | ||||
| Kubernetes basic authentication sends and receives request containing username, uid, groups, and other fields over a clear text HTTP communication. Basic authentication does not provide any security mechanisms using encryption standards. PKI certificate-based authentication must be set over a secure channel to ensure confidentiality and integrity. Basic authentication must not be set in the manifest file. | ||||
| STIG | Date | |||
| Kubernetes Security Technical Implementation Guide | 2025-05-16 | |||
Details
Check Text (C-245542r961632_chk)
Change to the /etc/kubernetes/manifests/ directory on the Kubernetes Control Plane. Run the command:
grep -i basic-auth-file *
If "basic-auth-file" is set in the Kubernetes API server manifest file this is a finding.
Fix Text (F-48772r863944_fix)
Edit the Kubernetes API Server manifest file in the /etc/kubernetes/manifests directory on the Kubernetes Control Plane. Remove the setting "--basic-auth-file".