Kubernetes API Server audit logs must be enabled.

Quick Actions

We are continuing to improve Stigviewer and we are planning on rolling out new services in the near future. Would you like to be part of the conversation on what those features should be? If so, click here.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-242461	CNTR-K8-003280	SV-242461r961863_rule		Medium

Description

Kubernetes API Server validates and configures pods and services for the API object. The REST operation provides frontend functionality to the cluster share state. Enabling audit logs provides a way to monitor and identify security risk events or misuse of information. Audit logs are necessary to provide evidence in the case the Kubernetes API Server is compromised requiring a Cyber Security Investigation.

STIG	Date
Kubernetes Security Technical Implementation Guide	2025-05-16

Details

Check Text (C-45736r863922_chk)

Change to the /etc/kubernetes/manifests directory on the Kubernetes Control Plane. Run the command:
grep -i audit-policy-file *

If the setting "audit-policy-file" is not set or is found in the Kubernetes API manifest file without valid content, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-45694r863923_fix)

Edit the Kubernetes API Server manifest file in the /etc/kubernetes/manifests directory on the Kubernetes Control Plane. Set the argument "--audit-policy-file" to "log file directory".

STIG VIEWER