RBAC key vaults should have 'Expiration Date' configured for all keys
Cryptographic keys should have a defined expiration date and not be permanent. Each enabled key in an Azure Key Vault with RBAC-enabled access control is assessed to confirm it has an expiration (`exp`) attribute defined.
Keys that are valid forever provide a potential attacker with more time to compromise the key. Keys without expiration can remain active indefinitely.
What this control checks
Keys in RBAC-enabled key vaults must have an expiration date set
Common pitfalls
Expiration Date is not set by default
Expiration Date is an optional Key Vault Key behavior and is not set by default.
Audit evidence
Evidence that deployed resources meet this control: Azure Policy compliance results for the built-in policy definition "Key Vault keys should have an expiration date" (152b15f7-8e1f-4c1f-ab71-8c010ba5dbc0); Prowler check keyvault_rbac_key_expiration_set (prowler azure --checks keyvault_rbac_key_expiration_set); PowerPipe controls azure_compliance.control.keyvault_key_expiration_set and azure_compliance.control.keyvault_with_rbac_key_expiration_set.
Scans of the Terraform code that flag the same setting before deployment: Checkov check CKV_AZURE_40; Trivy check AZU-0014.
Framework-specific interpretation
NIS2 Directive (EU 2022/2555): Mapped to 12.2.2.a (cover the entire life cycle of the assets, including acquisition, use, storage, transportation and disposal;), 2.1.2.f (evaluate the identified risks based on the risk criteria;), 9.2.c (the relevant entities approach to key management, including, where appropriate, methods for the following:) and 6 more clauses.
FedRAMP Moderate Baseline Rev 4: Mapped to IA-5 (Authenticator Management).
Framework mappings
The clauses this control is mapped to in each framework.
- 2 Risk management policy
- 9 Cryptography
- 12 Asset management
FedRAMP Moderate Baseline Rev 4
- IA-5 (1): Password-Based Authentication
- 9.3.1 Ensure that the Expiration Date is set for all Keys in RBAC Key Vaults
- 8.3.1 Ensure that the Expiration Date is set for all Keys in RBAC Key Vaults
- CRY-10.01AC For the secure storage of cryptographic keys, the cloud service provider uses a suitable software or hardware security module.
- CRY-10.01B The cloud service provider has documented and implemented technical measures for the secure storage of cryptographic keys. This includes ensuring separation of the key management system from the application and middleware layers, defining how authorised users gain access and...
- CRY-11.01B The cloud service provider has documented and implemented procedures and technical measures for the secure archiving of cryptographic keys. These include: - Storage of archived keys in a secure repository to prevent unauthorised access;- Restriction of access to archived keys to...
- PSS-07.02B The cloud service provider distributes credentials using additional security mechanisms to verify the identity of the recipient (e.g. multi-factor authentication), validate the request and protect the credentials.
- 8.1 Ensure that the Expiration Date is set for all Keys in RBAC Key Vaults
- 8.1 Ensure that the Expiration Date is set for all Keys in RBAC Key Vaults
- 8.1 Ensure that the Expiration Date is set for all Keys in RBAC Key Vaults
- 8.1 Ensure that the Expiration Date is set for all Keys in RBAC Key Vaults
- 3.3.1 Ensure that the Expiration Date is set for all Keys in RBAC Key Vaults
- IA.L1-3.5.2 Authenticate (or verify) the identities of users, processes, or devices, as a prerequisite to allowing access to organizational systems
Tool mappings
Use these identifiers to cross-reference this control across tools, reports, and evidence.
- Compliance.tf Control:
keyvault_with_rbac_key_expiration_set - Checkov Check:
CKV_AZURE_40 - Powerpipe Controls:
azure_compliance.control.keyvault_key_expiration_set,azure_compliance.control.keyvault_with_rbac_key_expiration_set - Prowler Check:
keyvault_rbac_key_expiration_set - Azure Policy Definition:
152b15f7-8e1f-4c1f-ab71-8c010ba5dbc0 - Trivy Check:
AZU-0014
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13