# Cis GCP Cos 1.4.3

> Ensure address space layout randomization (ASLR) is enabled

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-1-4-3` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-1-4-3`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-1-4-3/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: DevOps & Infra
- Author: cyberstrikeus (https://skillmd.com/u/cyberstrikeus)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-gcp-cos-1-4-3

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# 1.4.3 Ensure address space layout randomization (ASLR) is enabled (Automated)

## Description

Address space layout randomization (ASLR) is an exploit mitigation technique which randomly arranges the address space of key data areas of a process.

## Rationale

Randomly placing virtual memory regions will make it difficult to write memory page exploits as the memory placement will be consistently shifting.

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command and verify output matches:

```bash
# sysctl kernel.randomize_va_space
kernel.randomize_va_space = 2

# grep "kernel\.randomize_va_space" /etc/sysctl.conf /etc/sysctl.d/*
kernel.randomize_va_space = 2
```

## Expected Result

`kernel.randomize_va_space = 2` should be the output of both commands.

## Remediation

Set the following parameter in `/etc/sysctl.conf` or a `/etc/sysctl.d/*` file:

```
kernel.randomize_va_space = 2
```

Run the following command to set the active kernel parameter:

```bash
# sysctl -w kernel.randomize_va_space=2
```

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                                                                 | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 10.5 Enable Anti-Exploitation Features                                                  |      | x    | x    |
| v7               | 8.3 Enable Operating System Anti-Exploitation Features/Deploy Anti-Exploit Technologies |      | x    | x    |

## Profile

Level 1 - Server | Automated