# Cis K8S V1110 1.3.4

> Ensure that the --service-account-private-key-file argument is set as appropriate (Automated)

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1110-1-3-4` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1110-1-3-4`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1110-1-3-4/raw
- Safety review: CAUTION (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-v1110-1-3-4

---


# 1.3.4 Ensure that the --service-account-private-key-file argument is set as appropriate (Automated)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Master Node

## Description

Explicitly set a service account private key file for service accounts on the controller manager.

## Rationale

To ensure that keys for service account tokens can be rotated as needed, a separate public/private key pair should be used for signing service account tokens. The private key should be specified to the controller manager with `--service-account-private-key-file` as appropriate.

## Impact

You would need to securely maintain the key file and rotate the keys based on your organization's key rotation policy.

## Audit

Run the following command on the Control Plane node:

```bash
ps -ef | grep kube-controller-manager
```

Verify that the `--service-account-private-key-file` argument is set as appropriate.

## Remediation

Edit the Controller Manager pod specification file `/etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-controller-manager.yaml` on the Control Plane node and set the `--service-account-private-key-file` parameter to the private key file for service accounts.

```
--service-account-private-key-file=<filename>
```

## Default Value

By default, `--service-account-private-key-file` it not set.

## References

1. https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/kube-controller-manager/

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                        | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 5.2 Use Unique Passwords                       | X    | X    | X    |
| v7               | 4.4 Use Unique Passwords                       |      | X    | X    |
| v6               | 14 Controlled Access Based on the Need to Know |      |      |      |