---
title: About the kernel_parameter Resource
---

# kernel_parameter

Use the `kernel_parameter` InSpec audit resource to test kernel parameters on Linux platforms.

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## Syntax

A `kernel_parameter` resource block declares a parameter and then a value to be tested:

    describe kernel_parameter('path.to.parameter') do
      its('value') { should eq 0 }
    end

where

* `'kernel.parameter'` must specify a kernel parameter, such as `'net.ipv4.conf.all.forwarding'`
* `{ should eq 0 }` states the value to be tested

<br>

## Examples

The following examples show how to use this InSpec audit resource.

### Test if global forwarding is enabled for an IPv4 address

    describe kernel_parameter('net.ipv4.conf.all.forwarding') do
      its('value') { should eq 1 }
    end

### Test if global forwarding is disabled for an IPv6 address

    describe kernel_parameter('net.ipv6.conf.all.forwarding') do
      its('value') { should eq 0 }
    end

### Test if an IPv6 address accepts redirects

    describe kernel_parameter('net.ipv6.conf.interface.accept_redirects') do
      its('value') { should eq 'true' }
    end

<br>

## Matchers

This InSpec audit resource has the following matchers. For a full list of available matchers please visit our [matchers page](https://www.inspec.io/docs/reference/matchers/).

### value

The `value` matcher tests the value assigned to the named IP address versus the value declared in the test:

    its('value') { should eq 0 }