---
title: The kubelet configuration file should be owned by root:root
description: Datadog, the leading service for cloud-scale monitoring.
breadcrumbs: >-
  Docs > Datadog Security > OOTB Rules > The kubelet configuration file should
  be owned by root:root
---

# The kubelet configuration file should be owned by root:root
Classification:complianceFramework:cis-kubernetesControl:4.1.10 
## Description{% #description %}

Ensure that if the kubelet refers to a configuration file with the `--config` argument, that file is owned by root:root.

## Rationale{% #rationale %}

The kubelet reads various parameters, including security settings, from a config file specified by the `--config` argument. If this file is specified you should restrict its file permissions to maintain the integrity of the file. The file should be owned by root:root.

## Audit{% #audit %}

Locate the Kubelet config file as follows: `ps -ef | grep kubelet | grep config`. If the `--config` argument is present, this gives the location of the Kubelet config file, for example `/var/lib/kubelet/config.yaml`. Run the following command (using the file location you just identified) to find that file's permissions: `stat -c %U:%G /var/lib/kubelet/config.yaml`. Verify that the ownership is set to `root:root`.

## Remediation{% #remediation %}

Run the following command (using the config file location identified in the Audit step): `chown root:root /etc/kubernetes/kubelet.conf`

## Impact{% #impact %}

None

## Default value{% #default-value %}

By default, `/var/lib/kubelet/config.yaml` file as set up by kubeadm is owned by `root:root`.

## References{% #references %}

1. [https://kubernetes.io/docs/tasks/administer-cluster/kubelet-config-file/](https://kubernetes.io/docs/tasks/administer-cluster/kubelet-config-file/)

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

Version 6.5.1 Minimize And Sparingly Use Administrative Privileges - Minimize administrative privileges and only use administrative accounts when they are required. Implement focused auditing on the use of administrative privileged functions and monitor for anomalous behavior.

Version 7.5.2 Maintain Secure Images - Maintain secure images or templates for all systems in the enterprise based on the organization's approved configuration standards. Any new system deployment or existing system that becomes compromised should be imaged using one of those images or templates.