# Cis Oke V150 3.2.8

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

- Skill: `cyberstrikeus/cis-oke-v150-3-2-8` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add cyberstrikeus/cis-oke-v150-3-2-8`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/cyberstrikeus/cis-oke-v150-3-2-8/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-oke-v150-3-2-8

---


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

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1

## Description

Setup TLS connection on the Kubelets.

## Rationale

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

## Impact

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

## Audit Procedure

**Audit Method 1:**
If using a Kubelet configuration file, check that there is an entry for `tls-cert-file` set to `correct pem file` and `tls-private-key-file` is set to `correct key file`
First, SSH to the relevant node:
Run the following command on each node to find the appropriate Kubelet config file:

```bash
find / -name kubelet.service
```

The output of the above command should return the file and location `/etc/systemd/system/kublet.service` which is the location of the Kubelet service config file.
Open the Kubelet service config file:

```bash
sudo more etc/systemd/system/kublet.service
```

Verify that the `tls-cert-file=/var/lib/kubelet/pki/tls.pem`.
Verify that the `tls-private-key-file=/var/lib/kubelet/pki/tls.key`.

**Audit Method 2:**
If using the api configz endpoint consider searching for the status of `tlsCertFile` and `tlsPrivateKeyFile` are set by extracting the live configuration from the nodes running kubelet.
Set the local proxy port and the following variables and provide proxy port number and node name;
`HOSTNAME_PORT="localhost-and-port-number"`
`NODE_NAME="The-Name-Of-Node-To-Extract-Configuration"` from the output of `"kubectl get nodes"`

```bash
kubectl proxy --port=8001 &

export HOSTNAME_PORT=localhost:8001 (example host and port number)
export NODE_NAME=10.0.10.4 (example node name from "kubectl get nodes")

curl -sSL "http://${HOSTNAME_PORT}/api/v1/nodes/${NODE_NAME}/proxy/configz"
```

## Remediation

**Remediation Method 1:**
If modifying the Kubelet service config file, edit the kubelet.service file `/etc/systemd/system/kubelet.service` and set the below parameter

```
Verify that the `tls-cert-file=/var/lib/kubelet/pki/tls.pem`.
Verify that the `tls-private-key-file=/var/lib/kubelet/pki/tls.key`.
```

**Remediation Method 2:**
If using the api configz endpoint consider searching for the status of `tlsCertFile` and `tlsPrivateKeyFile` are set by extracting the live configuration from the nodes running kubelet.
\*\*See detailed step-by-step configmap procedures in Reconfigure a Node's Kubelet in a Live Cluster, and then rerun the curl statement from audit process to check for kubelet configuration changes

```bash
kubectl proxy --port=8001 &

export HOSTNAME_PORT=localhost:8001 (example host and port number)
export NODE_NAME=10.0.10.4 (example node name from "kubectl get nodes")

curl -sSL "http://${HOSTNAME_PORT}/api/v1/nodes/${NODE_NAME}/proxy/configz"
```

For all remediations:
Based on your system, restart the `kubelet` service and check status

```bash
systemctl daemon-reload
systemctl restart kubelet.service
systemctl status kubelet -l
```

## Default Value

See the OKE documentation for the default value.

## References

1. [https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/kubelet/](https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/kubelet/)
2. [http://rootsquash.com/2016/05/10/securing-the-kubernetes-api/](http://rootsquash.com/2016/05/10/securing-the-kubernetes-api/)
3. [https://github.com/kelseyhightower/docker-kubernetes-tls-guide](https://github.com/kelseyhightower/docker-kubernetes-tls-guide)
4. [https://jvns.ca/blog/2017/08/05/how-kubernetes-certificates-work/](https://jvns.ca/blog/2017/08/05/how-kubernetes-certificates-work/)
5. [https://docs.cloud.oracle.com/en-us/iaas/Content/ContEng/Concepts/contengoverview.htm](https://docs.cloud.oracle.com/en-us/iaas/Content/ContEng/Concepts/contengoverview.htm)

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                               | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 3.10 Encrypt Sensitive Data in Transit                |      | x    | x    |
| v7               | 14.3 Disable Workstation to Workstation Communication |      | x    | x    |

## MITRE ATT&CK Mappings

| Techniques / Sub-techniques | Tactics        | Mitigations  |
| --------------------------- | -------------- | ------------ |
| T1078, T1552                | TA0001, TA0006 | M1035, M1041 |

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**Profile:** Level 1 - CIS Oracle Cloud Infrastructure Container Engine for Kubernetes (OKE) Benchmark v1.5.0