Cis Gke Autopilot V120 4.6.4

---
name: cis-gke-autopilot-v120-4.6.4
description: "The default namespace should not be used (Automated)"
category: cis-gke-autopilot
version: "1.2.0"
author: cyberstrike-official
tags: [cis, gke-autopilot, kubernetes, gcp, general-policies, namespaces, default-namespace]
cis_id: "4.6.4"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE) Autopilot Benchmark v1.2.0"
tech_stack: [kubernetes, gcp, gke]
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: {}
---

# 4.6.4 The default namespace should not be used (Automated)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 2

## Description

Kubernetes provides a default namespace, where objects are placed if no namespace is specified for them. Placing objects in this namespace makes application of RBAC and other controls more difficult.

## Rationale

Resources in a Kubernetes cluster should be segregated by namespace, to allow for security controls to be applied at that level and to make it easier to manage resources.

## Impact

None

## Audit

Run this command to list objects in default namespace:

```bash
kubectl get $(kubectl api-resources --verbs=list --namespaced=true -o name | paste -sd, -) --ignore-not-found -n default
```

The only entries there should be system managed resources such as the `kubernetes` service.

OR

```bash
kubectl get pods -n default
```

Returning `No resources found in default namespace.`

## Remediation

Ensure that namespaces are created to allow for appropriate segregation of Kubernetes resources and that all new resources are created in a specific namespace.

## Default Value

Unless a namespace is specific on object creation, the `default` namespace will be used.

## References

1. https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/overview/working-with-objects/namespaces/

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                                                  | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 4 Secure Configuration of Enterprise Assets and Software |      |      |      |
| v7               | 5.1 Establish Secure Configurations                      | \*   | \*   | \*   |