# Cis K8S V1110 3.1.3

> Bootstrap token authentication should not be used for users (Manual)

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

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# 3.1.3 Bootstrap token authentication should not be used for users (Manual)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Master Node

## Description

Kubernetes provides bootstrap tokens which are intended for use by new nodes joining the cluster

These tokens are not designed for use by end-users they are specifically designed for the purpose of bootstrapping new nodes and not for general authentication

## Rationale

Bootstrap tokens are not intended for use as a general authentication mechanism and impose constraints on user and group naming that do not facilitate good RBAC design. They also cannot be used with MFA resulting in a weak authentication mechanism being available.

## Impact

External mechanisms for authentication generally require additional software to be deployed.

## Audit

Review user access to the cluster and ensure that users are not making use of bootstrap token authentication.

## Remediation

Alternative mechanisms provided by Kubernetes such as the use of OIDC should be implemented in place of bootstrap tokens.

## Default Value

Bootstrap token authentication is not enabled by default and requires an API server parameter to be set.

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                    | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------ | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 6.2 Establish an Access Revoking Process   | X    | X    | X    |
| v7               | 16.7 Establish Process for Revoking Access |      | X    | X    |