---
title: >-
  The kubelet configuration file should have permissions of 644 or more
  restrictive
description: Datadog, the leading service for cloud-scale monitoring.
breadcrumbs: >-
  Docs > Datadog Security > OOTB Rules > The kubelet configuration file should
  have permissions of 644 or more restrictive
---

# The kubelet configuration file should have permissions of 644 or more restrictive
Classification:complianceFramework:cis-kubernetesControl:4.1.9 
## Description{% #description %}

Ensure that if the kubelet refers to a configuration file with the `--config` argument, that file has permissions of 644 or more restrictive.

## 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 writable by only the administrators on the system.

## 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 %a /var/lib/kubelet/config.yaml`. Verify that the permissions are 644 or more restrictive.

## Remediation{% #remediation %}

Run the following command (using the config file location identified in the Audit step:

```gdscript3
chmod 644 /var/lib/kubelet/config.yaml
```

## Impact{% #impact %}

None

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

By default, the `/var/lib/kubelet/config.yaml` file as set up by kubeadm has permissions of 644.

## 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.