# Cis K8S V1111 5.1.11

> Minimize access to the approval sub-resource of certificatesigningrequests objects (Manual)

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1111-5-1-11` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1111-5-1-11`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-k8s-v1111-5-1-11/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-v1111-5-1-11

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# 5.1.11 Minimize access to the approval sub-resource of certificatesigningrequests objects (Manual)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Master Node

## Description

Users with access to the update the `approval` sub-resource of `CertificateSigningRequests` objects can approve new client certificates for the Kubernetes API effectively allowing them to create new high-privileged user accounts.

This can allow for privilege escalation to full cluster administrator, depending on users configured in the cluster.

## Rationale

The ability to update certificate signing requests should be limited.

## Impact

None

## Audit

Review the users who have access to update the `approval` sub-resource of `CertificateSigningRequests` objects in the Kubernetes API.

## Remediation

Where possible, remove access to the `approval` sub-resource of `CertificateSigningRequests` objects.

## Default Value

None

## References

1. https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/security/rbac-good-practices/#csrs-and-certificate-issuing

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                           | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 6.8 Define and Maintain Role-Based Access Control |      |      | X    |
| v7               | 14 Controlled Access Based on the Need to Know    |      |      |      |