# Cis Cassandra311 3.4

> Ensure that Cassandra is run using a non-privileged, dedicated service account

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-cassandra311-3-4` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-cassandra311-3-4`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-cassandra311-3-4/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-cassandra311-3-4

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# 3.4 Ensure that Cassandra is run using a non-privileged, dedicated service account

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Cassandra on Linux
- Level 2 - Cassandra on Linux

## Description

As with any service installed on a host, it can be provided with its own user context. Providing a dedicated user to the service provides the ability to precisely constrain the service within the larger host context.

## Rationale

Utilizing a non-privileged account for Cassandra to execute as may reduce the impact of a Cassandra-born vulnerability. A restricted account will be unable to access resources unrelated to Cassandra, such as operating system configurations.

## Audit

Execute the following command at a terminal prompt to assess this recommendation:

```bash
ps -ef | egrep "^cassandra.*$"
```

If no lines are returned, then this is a finding.
NOTE: It is assumed that the Cassandra user is cassandra. Additionally, you may consider running sudo -l as the Cassandra user or to check the sudoers file.

## Remediation

Create a user which is only used for running Cassandra and directly related processes. This user must not have administrative rights to the system.

## Default Value

No default user exists for running Cassandra.

## References

Not specified in the benchmark.

## CIS Controls

- v8: 3.3 Configure Data Access Control Lists
- v8: 5.4 Restrict Administrator Privileges to Dedicated Administrator Accounts
- v7: 4.3 Ensure the Use of Dedicated Administrative Accounts
- v7: 14.6 Protect Information through Access Control Lists

## Profile

- Level 1 | Automated