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Protect Workload Secrets

CCC.K8S.CN07 · Access

Protect workload secrets through encrypted handling, narrow authorization, and removal from images and non-secret configuration objects.

Related Capabilities

IDTitleDescription
CCC.K8S.CP11Workload Identity FederationThe service may be configured to exchange Kubernetes service-account identity for short-lived cloud credentials without placing long-lived credentials in workloads.
CCC.K8S.CP12Secrets Service IntegrationThe service can present secrets, keys, and certificates from a cloud secrets service to authorized Kubernetes workloads without embedding them in workload definitions.

Related Threats

IDTitleDescription
CCC.K8S.TH03Long-Lived Credentials are Exposed to WorkloadsLong-lived cloud credentials stored in workload configuration, container images, environment variables, or mounted files may be read by a compromised workload or unauthorized user. The credentials can then be used independently of the workload lifecycle. Protected data may be disclosed and resources accessible through those credentials may be modified outside the cluster's authorization controls.
CCC.K8S.TH07Secrets are Exposed to Unauthorized WorkloadsMisconfigured secret access, namespace boundaries, or workload mounts may expose sensitive values to workloads or users that do not require them. Credentials, keys, or certificates can then be read from Kubernetes or external secret interfaces, exposing the secrets and enabling unauthorized changes to the resources they protect.

Assessment Requirements

IDTextApplicability
CCC.K8S.CN07.AR01Secret material used by a workload MUST be encrypted during storage and delivery, MUST be accessible only to the intended workload identity, and MUST NOT be embedded in a container image or non-secret configuration resource.tlp-green, tlp-amber, tlp-red
CCC.K8S.CN07.AR02When Kubernetes secret access is granted, workload roles MUST be limited to the required named secrets and MUST NOT grant unrestricted list or watch access.tlp-clear, tlp-green, tlp-amber, tlp-red

Guideline Mappings

FrameworkIDRemarks
NIST_800_53AC-3Access Enforcement
NIST_800_53IA-5Authenticator Management
NIST_800_53SC-28Protection of Information at Rest