STIGQter: STIG Summary: Kubernetes Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 2 Release: 6 Benchmark Date: 01 Apr 2026:

Kubernetes API Server must disable token authentication to protect information in transit.

DISA Rule

SV-245543r961632_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-245543

Group Title

SRG-APP-000439-CTR-001080

Rule Version

CNTR-K8-002630

Severity

CAT I

CCI(s)

• CCI-002448 - Distribute asymmetric cryptographic keys using: NSA-approved key management technology and processes; prepositioned keying material; DoD-approved or DoD-issued Medium Assurance PKI certificates; DoD-approved or DoD-issued Medium Hardware Assurance PKI certificates and hardware security tokens that protect the user's private key; or certificates issued in accordance with organization-defined requirements.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Edit the Kubernetes API Server manifest file in the /etc/kubernetes/manifests directory on the Kubernetes Control Plane.

Remove the setting "--token-auth-file".

Check Contents

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

If "--token-auth-file" is set in the Kubernetes API server manifest file, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-245543

Documentable

False

Rule Version

CNTR-K8-002630

Severity Override Guidance

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

If "--token-auth-file" is set in the Kubernetes API server manifest file, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5376