# Cis K8S V1111 1.2.24

> Ensure that the --tls-cert-file and --tls-private-key-file arguments are set as appropriate (Automated)

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1111-1-2-24` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1111-1-2-24`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1111-1-2-24/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-v1111-1-2-24

---


# 1.2.24 Ensure that the --tls-cert-file and --tls-private-key-file arguments are set as appropriate (Automated)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Master Node

## Description

Setup TLS connection on the API server.

## Rationale

API server communication contains sensitive parameters that should remain encrypted in transit. Configure the API server to serve only HTTPS traffic.

## Impact

TLS and client certificate authentication must be configured for your Kubernetes cluster deployment.

## Audit

Run the following command on the Control Plane node:

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

Verify that the `--tls-cert-file` and `--tls-private-key-file` arguments exist and they are set as appropriate.

## Remediation

Follow the Kubernetes documentation and set up the TLS connection on the apiserver. Then, edit the API server pod specification file `/etc/kubernetes/manifests/kube-apiserver.yaml` on the master node and set the TLS certificate and private key file parameters.

```bash
--tls-cert-file=<path/to/tls-certificate-file>
--tls-private-key-file=<path/to/tls-key-file>
```

## Default Value

By default, `--tls-cert-file` and `--tls-private-key-file` are presented and created for use.

## References

1. https://kubernetes.io/docs/reference/command-line-tools-reference/kube-apiserver/
2. https://github.com/kelseyhightower/docker-kubernetes-tls-guide

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                           | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 3.10 Encrypt Sensitive Data in Transit            |      | x    | x    |
| v7               | 14.4 Encrypt All Sensitive Information in Transit |      | x    | x    |