# Source: https://docs.datadoghq.com/security/default_rules/im5-rvz-tcd.md

---
title: The kubelet service file should be owned by root:root
description: Datadog, the leading service for cloud-scale monitoring.
breadcrumbs: >-
  Docs > Datadog Security > OOTB Rules > The kubelet service file should be
  owned by root:root
---

# The kubelet service file should be owned by root:root
Classification:complianceFramework:cis-kubernetesControl:4.1.2 
## Description{% #description %}

Ensure that the kubelet service file ownership is set to root:root.

## Rationale{% #rationale %}

The kubelet service file controls various parameters that set the behavior of the kubelet service in the worker node. You should set its file ownership to maintain the integrity of the file. The file should be owned by root:root.

## Audit{% #audit %}

Run the following command (based on the file location on your system) on the each worker node. For example, `stat -c %U:%G /etc/systemd/system/kubelet.service.d/10-kubeadm.conf`. Verify that the ownership is set to root:root.

## Remediation{% #remediation %}

Run the below command (based on the file location on your system) on the each worker node.

For example, `chown root:root /etc/systemd/system/kubelet.service.d/10-kubeadm.conf`

## Impact{% #impact %}

None

## Default value{% #default-value %}

By default, kubelet service file ownership is set to root:root.

## References{% #references %}

1. [https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/kubelet/](https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/kubelet/)
1. [https://kubernetes.io/docs/setup/independent/create-cluster-kubeadm/#44-joining-your-nodes](https://kubernetes.io/docs/setup/independent/create-cluster-kubeadm/#44-joining-your-nodes)
1. [https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/kubeadm/#kubelet-drop-in](https://kubernetes.io/docs/admin/kubeadm/#kubelet-drop-in)

## CIS controls{% #cis-controls %}

Version 6.5.1 Minimize And Sparingly Use Administrative Privileges - Minimize administrative privileges and only use administrative accounts when they are required. Implement focused auditing on the use of administrative privileged functions and monitor for anomalous behavior.

Version 7.5.2 Maintain Secure Images - Maintain secure images or templates for all systems in the enterprise based on the organization's approved configuration standards. Any new system deployment or existing system that becomes compromised should be imaged using one of those images or templates.