# Cis Ocp V190 4.1.5

> Ensure that the --kubeconfig kubelet.conf file permissions are set to 644 or more restrictive (Automated)

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-ocp-v190-4-1-5` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-ocp-v190-4-1-5`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-ocp-v190-4-1-5/raw
- Safety review: PASS (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector CAUTION)
- 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-ocp-v190-4-1-5

---


# CIS Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform Benchmark v1.9.0 - Control 4.1.5

## Profile Applicability

- **Level:** 1

## Description

Ensure that the `kubelet.conf` file has permissions of `644` or more restrictive.

## Rationale

The `kubelet.conf` file is the kubeconfig file for the node, and controls various parameters that set the behavior and identity of the worker node. You should restrict its file permissions to maintain the integrity of the file. The file should be writable by only the administrators on the system.

## Impact

None

## Audit Procedure

Run the following command to check the permissions of the `kubelet.conf` on each node:

```bash
for node in $(oc get nodes -o jsonpath='{.items[*].metadata.name}')
do
oc debug node/${node} -- chroot /host stat -c %a /etc/kubernetes/kubelet.conf
done
```

OR

```bash
for node in $(oc get nodes -o jsonpath='{.items[*].metadata.name}')
do
oc debug node/${node} -- chroot /host stat -c %a /host/etc/kubernetes/kubelet.conf
done
```

Verify that the permissions are `644`.

## Remediation

None.

## Default Value

By default, OpenShift sets the default permissions for the `kubelet.conf` to `644`.

## References

1. https://docs.openshift.com/container-platform/latest/architecture/control-plane.html#understanding-machine-config-operator_control-plane
2. https://kubernetes.io/docs/reference/command-line-tools-reference/kubelet/

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                               | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 3.3 Configure Data Access Control Lists               | \*   | \*   | \*   |
| v7               | 14.6 Protect Information through Access Control Lists | \*   | \*   | \*   |

## MITRE ATT&CK Mappings

| Techniques / Sub-techniques | Tactics        | Mitigations |
| --------------------------- | -------------- | ----------- |
| T1083, T1222                | TA0005, TA0007 | M1022       |

## Profile

**Level 1** (Automated)