Ensure the default ulimit is configured appropriately

MediumLevel 1Manual reviewdocker

Description

Set the default ulimit options as appropriate in your environment. ulimit provides control over the resources available to the shell and to processes which it starts. Setting system resource limits judiciously can save you from disasters such as a fork bomb. Reported as a manual review item: the audit needs a site-specific judgement.

How it is checked

Audit method: Manual review

This recommendation cannot be checked automatically. A scan lists it with these instructions when you pass --include-manual.

To confirm this setting you should review the dockerd start-up options and any settings in /etc/docker/daemon.json. To review the dockerd startup options, use: ps -ef | grep dockerd Ensure that the --default-ulimit parameter is set as appropriate. The contents of /etc/docker/daemon.json should also be reviewed for this setting.

How it is fixed

Fix method: Guidance or infrastructure patch

Run Docker in daemon mode and pass --default-ulimit as argument with respective ulimits as appropriate in your environment and in line with your security policy. For example: dockerd --default-ulimit nproc=1024:2048 --default-ulimit nofile=100:200

Properties

Operating systems: Any
Tags: dockermanual
Reference: CIS Docker Benchmark v1.9.0 - 2.9 Ensure the default ulimit is configured appropriately