---
title: Etcd should be configured for peer authentication
description: Datadog, the leading service for cloud-scale monitoring.
breadcrumbs: >-
  Docs > Datadog Security > OOTB Rules > Etcd should be configured for peer
  authentication
---

# Etcd should be configured for peer authentication
Classification:complianceFramework:cis-kubernetesControl:2.5 
## Description{% #description %}

Etcd should be configured for peer authentication.

## Rationale{% #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.

## Audit{% #audit %}

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.

Run the following command on the etcd server node:

```
ps -ef | grep etcd
```

Verify that the `--peer-client-cert-auth` argument is set to `true`.

## Remediation{% #remediation %}

Edit the etcd pod specification file `/etc/kubernetes/manifests/etcd.yaml` on the master node and set the below parameter:

```
--peer-client-cert-auth=true
```

## Impact{% #impact %}

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

## Default value{% #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-client-cert-auth` argument is set to false.

## References{% #references %}

1. [https://coreos.com/etcd/docs/latest/op-guide/security.html](https://coreos.com/etcd/docs/latest/op-guide/security.html)
1. [https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/etcd/](https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/etcd/)
1. [https://coreos.com/etcd/docs/latest/op-guide/configuration.html#peer-client-cert-auth](https://coreos.com/etcd/docs/latest/op-guide/configuration.html#peer-client-cert-auth)

## CIS controls{% #cis-controls %}

Version 6.14.4 Protect Information With Access Control Lists - All information stored on systems shall be protected with file system, network share, claims, application, or database specific access control lists. These controls will enforce the principle that only authorized individuals should have access to the information based on their need to access the information as a part of their responsibilities.

Version 7.14.6 Protect Information through Access Control Lists - Protect all information stored on systems with file system, network share, claims, application, or database specific access control lists. These controls will enforce the principle that only authorized individuals should have access to the information based on their need to access the information as a part of their responsibilities.