Title

The Kubernetes Controller Manager must have secure binding. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

Limiting the number of attack vectors and implementing authentication and encryption on the endpoints available to external sources is paramount when securing the overall Kubernetes cluster. The Controller Manager API service exposes port 10252/TCP by default for health and metrics information use. This port does not encrypt or authenticate connections. If this port is exposed externally, an attacker can use this port to attack the entire Kubernetes cluster. By setting the bind address to only localhost (i.e., 127.0.0.1), only those internal services that require health and metrics information can access the Control Manager API.

Check Content

Change to the /etc/kubernetes/manifests directory on the Kubernetes Control Plane. Run the command: grep -i bind-address * If the setting bind-address is not set to "127.0.0.1" or is not found in the Kubernetes Controller Manager manifest file, this is a finding.

Fix Text

Edit the Kubernetes Controller Manager manifest file in the /etc/kubernetes/manifests directory on the Kubernetes Control Plane. Set the argument "--bind-address" to "127.0.0.1".

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-242385r879530_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-242385

Group Title: SRG-APP-000033-CTR-000090

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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