# Cis K8S V1110 1.2.2

> Ensure that the --token-auth-file parameter is not set (Automated)

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1110-1-2-2` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1110-1-2-2`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1110-1-2-2/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-k8s-v1110-1-2-2

---


# 1.2.2 Ensure that the --token-auth-file parameter is not set (Automated)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Master Node

## Description

Do not use token based authentication.

## Rationale

The token-based authentication utilizes static tokens to authenticate requests to the apiserver. The tokens are stored in clear-text in a file on the apiserver, and cannot be revoked or rotated without restarting the apiserver. Hence, do not use static token-based authentication.

## Impact

You will have to configure and use alternate authentication mechanisms such as certificates. Static token based authentication could not be used.

## Audit

Run the following command on the Control Plane node:

```bash
ps -ef | grep kube-apiserver
```

Verify that the `--token-auth-file` argument does not exist.

Alternative Audit Method:

```bash
kubectl get pod -nkube-system -lcomponent=kube-apiserver -o=jsonpath='{range .items[*]}{.spec.containers[*].command} {"\n"}{end}' | grep '\--token-auth-file' | grep -i false
```

If the exit code is '1', then the control isn't present / failed.

## Remediation

Follow the documentation and configure alternate mechanisms for authentication. Then, edit the API server pod specification file `/etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml` on the master node and remove the `--token-auth-file=<filename>` parameter.

## Default Value

By default, `--token-auth-file` argument is not set.

## References

1. https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/authentication/#static-token-file
2. https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/kube-apiserver/

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                             | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 4.6 Securely Manage Enterprise Assets and Software  | \*   | \*   | \*   |
| v7               | 16.4 Encrypt or Hash all Authentication Credentials |      | \*   | \*   |