Cis K8s V1120 5.6.1

---
name: cis-k8s-v1120-5.6.1
description: "Create administrative boundaries between resources using namespaces (Manual)"
category: cis-k8s
version: "1.12.0"
author: cyberstrike-official
tags: [cis, kubernetes, policies, general-policies]
cis_id: "5.6.1"
cis_benchmark: "CIS Kubernetes Benchmark v1.12.0"
tech_stack: [kubernetes]
cwe_ids: []
chains_with: []
prerequisites: []
severity_boost: {}
---

# 5.6.1 Create administrative boundaries between resources using namespaces (Manual)

## Profile Applicability

- Level 1 - Master Node

## Description

Use namespaces to isolate your Kubernetes objects.

## Rationale

Limiting the scope of user permissions can reduce the impact of mistakes or malicious activities. A Kubernetes namespace allows you to partition created resources into logically named groups. Resources created in one namespace can be hidden from other namespaces. By default, each resource created by a user in Kubernetes cluster runs in a default namespace, called `default`. You can create additional namespaces and attach resources and users to them. You can use Kubernetes Authorization plugins to create policies that segregate access to namespace resources between different users.

## Impact

You need to switch between namespaces for administration.

## Audit Procedure

Run the below command and review the namespaces created in the cluster.

```bash
kubectl get namespaces
```

Ensure that these namespaces are the ones you need and are adequately administered as per your requirements.

## Remediation

Follow the documentation and create namespaces for objects in your deployment as you need them.

## Default Value

By default, Kubernetes starts with 4 initial namespaces:

1. `default` - The default namespace for objects with no other namespace
2. `kube-system` - The namespace for objects created by the Kubernetes system
3. `kube-node-lease` - Namespace used for node heartbeats
4. `kube-public` - Namespace used for public information in a cluster

## References

1. https://kubernetes.io/docs/concepts/overview/working-with-objects/namespaces/#viewing-namespaces
2. http://blog.kubernetes.io/2016/08/security-best-practices-kubernetes-deployment.html
3. https://github.com/kubernetes/enhancements/tree/master/keps/sig-node/589-efficient-node-heartbeats

## CIS Controls

| Controls Version | Control                           | IG 1 | IG 2 | IG 3 |
| ---------------- | --------------------------------- | ---- | ---- | ---- |
| v8               | 13 Network Monitoring and Defense |      |      |      |
| v7               | 12 Boundary Defense               |      |      |      |