CIS Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database

v1.1.0 - 09-07-2014
Engine
Benchmark

http://benchmarks.cisecurity.org

The CIS Security Benchmarks division provides consensus-oriented information security products, services, tools, metrics, suggestions, and
recommendations (the SB Products) as a public service to Internet users worldwide. Downloading or using SB Products in any way signifies
and confirms your acceptance of and your binding agreement to these CIS Security Benchmarks Terms of Use.

CIS SECURITY BENCHMARKS TERMS OF USE

BOTH CIS SECURITY BENCHMARKS DIVISION MEMBERS AND NON-MEMBERS MAY:

Download, install, and use each of the SB Products on a single computer, and/or
Print one or more copies of any SB Product that is in a .txt, .pdf, .doc, .mcw, or .rtf format, but only if each such copy is printed in
its entirety and is kept intact, including without limitation the text of these CIS Security Benchmarks Terms of Use.

UNDER THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

SB Products Provided As Is. CIS is providing the SB Products as is and as available without: (1) any representations,
warranties, or covenants of any kind whatsoever (including the absence of any warranty regarding: (a) the effect or lack of effect
of any SB Product on the operation or the security of any network, system, software, hardware, or any component of any of them,
and (b) the accuracy, utility, reliability, timeliness, or completeness of any SB Product); or (2) the responsibility to make or notify
you of any corrections, updates, upgrades, or fixes.
Intellectual Property and Rights Reserved. You are not acquiring any title or ownership rights in or to any SB Product, and full
title and all ownership rights to the SB Products remain the exclusive property of CIS. All rights to the SB Products not expressly
granted in these Terms of Use are hereby reserved.
Restrictions. You acknowledge and agree that you may not: (1) decompile, dis-assemble, alter, reverse engineer, or otherwise
attempt to derive the source code for any software SB Product that is not already in the form of source code; (2) distribute,
redistribute, sell, rent, lease, sublicense or otherwise transfer or exploit any rights to any SB Product in any way or for any
purpose; (3) post any SB Product on any website, bulletin board, ftp server, newsgroup, or other similar mechanism or device;
(4) remove from or alter these CIS Security Benchmarks Terms of Use on any SB Product; (5) remove or alter any proprietary
notices on any SB Product; (6) use any SB Product or any component of an SB Product with any derivative works based directly
on an SB Product or any component of an SB Product; (7) use any SB Product or any component of an SB Product with other
products or applications that are directly and specifically dependent on such SB Product or any component for any part of their
functionality; (8) represent or claim a particular level of compliance or consistency with any SB Product; or (9) facilitate or
otherwise aid other individuals or entities in violating these CIS Security Benchmarks Terms of Use.
Your Responsibility to Evaluate Risks. You acknowledge and agree that: (1) no network, system, device, hardware, software,
or component can be made fully secure; (2) you have the sole responsibility to evaluate the risks and benefits of the SB Products
to your particular circumstances and requirements; and (3) CIS is not assuming any of the liabilities associated with your use of
any or all of the SB Products.
CIS Liability. You acknowledge and agree that neither CIS nor any of its employees, officers, directors, agents or other service
providers has or will have any liability to you whatsoever (whether based in contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise) for any
direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages that arise out of or are connected in any way with your use of any
SB Product.
Indemnification. You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold CIS and all of CIS's employees, officers, directors, agents and other
service providers harmless from and against any liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by any of them in connection with your
violation of these CIS Security Benchmarks Terms of Use.
Jurisdiction. You acknowledge and agree that: (1) these CIS Security Benchmarks Terms of Use will be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland; (2) any action at law or in equity arising out of or relating to
these CIS Security Benchmarks Terms of Use shall be filed only in the courts located in the State of Maryland; and (3) you hereby
consent and submit to the personal jurisdiction of such courts for the purposes of litigating any such action.
U.S. Export Control and Sanctions laws. Regarding your use of the SB Products with any non-U.S. entity or country, you
acknowledge that it is your responsibility to understand and abide by all U.S. sanctions and export control laws as set from time
to time by the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

SPECIAL RULES FOR CIS MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS: CIS reserves the right to create special rules for: (1) CIS Members; and (2) NonMember organizations and individuals with which CIS has a written contractual relationship. CIS hereby grants to each CIS Member
Organization in good standing the right to distribute the SB Products within such Member's own organization, whether by manual or
electronic means. Each such Member Organization acknowledges and agrees that the foregoing grants in this paragraph are subject to the
terms of such Member's membership arrangement with CIS and may, therefore, be modified or terminated by CIS at any time.

1|Page

Table of Contents
Table of Contents .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Overview .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Intended Audience ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Consensus Guidance........................................................................................................................................ 3
Typographical Conventions ......................................................................................................................... 4
Scoring Information ........................................................................................................................................ 4
Profile Definitions ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Recommendations ................................................................................................................................................ 7
1 Installation, Updates and Patches .......................................................................................................... 7
2 Surface Area Reduction .............................................................................................................................. 9
3 Authentication and Authorization ...................................................................................................... 25
4 Password Policies ...................................................................................................................................... 28
5 Auditing and Logging ............................................................................................................................... 31
6 Application Development ....................................................................................................................... 34
Appendix: Change History .............................................................................................................................. 37

2|Page

Overview
This document, Security Configuration Benchmark for Microsoft SQL Server 2012, provides
prescriptive guidance for establishing a secure configuration posture for Microsoft SQL
Server 2012 versions. This guide was tested against Microsoft SQL Server 2012. To obtain
the latest version of this guide, please visit http://benchmarks.cisecurity.org. If you have
questions, comments, or have identified ways to improve this guide, please write us at
[email protected].

Intended Audience
This benchmark is intended for system and application administrators, security specialists,
auditors, help desk, and platform deployment personnel who plan to develop, deploy,
assess, or secure solutions that incorporate Microsoft SQL Server 2012 on a Microsoft
Windows platform.

Consensus Guidance
This benchmark was created using a consensus review process comprised subject matter
experts. Consensus participants provide perspective from a diverse set of backgrounds
including consulting, software development, audit and compliance, security research,
operations, government, and legal.
Each CIS benchmark undergoes two phases of consensus review. The first phase occurs
during initial benchmark development. During this phase, subject matter experts convene
to discuss, create, and test working drafts of the benchmark. This discussion occurs until
consensus has been reached on benchmark recommendations. The second phase begins
after the benchmark has been published. During this phase, all feedback provided by the
Internet community is reviewed by the consensus team for incorporation in the
benchmark. If you are interested in participating in the consensus process, please visit
https://community.cisecurity.org.

3|Page

Typographical Conventions
The following typographical conventions are used throughout this guide:
Convention

Meaning

Stylized Monospace font

Used for blocks of code, command, and script examples.

Text should be interpreted exactly as presented.

Monospace font

Used for inline code, commands, or examples. Text should

be interpreted exactly as presented.

<italic font in brackets>

Italic texts set in angle brackets denote a variable

requiring substitution for a real value.

Italic font

Used to denote the title of a book, article, or other

publication.

Note

Additional information or caveats

Scoring Information
A scoring status indicates whether compliance with the given recommendation impacts the
assessed target's benchmark score. The following scoring statuses are used in this
benchmark:
Scored
Failure to comply with "Scored" recommendations will decrease the final benchmark score.
Compliance with "Scored" recommendations will increase the final benchmark score.
Not Scored
Failure to comply with "Not Scored" recommendations will not decrease the final
benchmark score. Compliance with "Not Scored" recommendations will not increase the
final benchmark score.

4|Page

Profile Definitions
The following configuration profiles are defined by this Benchmark:

Level 1 - Database Engine

Items in this profile intend to:
o
o
o

be practical and prudent;

provide a clear security benefit; and
not inhibit the utility of the technology beyond acceptable means.

5|Page

Acknowledgements
This benchmark exemplifies the great things a community of users, vendors, and subject matter
experts can accomplish through consensus collaboration. The CIS community thanks the entire
consensus team with special recognition to the following individuals who contributed greatly to
the creation of this guide:
Editor
Nancy Hidy Wilson
Brian Kelley MCSE, CISA, Security+, Microsoft MVP - SQL Server
Contributor
Tran Thanh Chien
Masoud Sultan
Dorothy Feistner
Kevvie Fowler GCFA Gold, CISSP, MCTS, Ringzero, Inc.

6|Page

Recommendations
1 Installation, Updates and Patches
[This space intentionally left blank]

1.1 Install the Latest SQL Server Service Packs and Hotfixes (Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
SQL Server patches contain program updates that fix security and product functionality
issues found in the software. These patches can be installed with a hotfix which is a single
patch, a cumulative update which is a small group of patches or a service pack which is a
large collection of patches.
The SQL Server version and patch levels should be the most recent compatible with the
organizations' operational needs
Rationale:
Using the most recent SQL Server software, along with all applicable patches can help limit
the possibilities for vulnerabilities in the software, the installation version and/or patches
applied during setup should be established according to the needs of the organization.
Audit:
To determine your SQL Server service pack level, run the following code snippet.
SELECT SERVERPROPERTY('ProductLevel') as SP_installed,
SERVERPROPERTY('ProductVersion') as Version;

First column returns the installed Service Pack level, the second is the exact build number.
Remediation:
Identify the current version and patch level of your SQL Server instances and ensure they
contain the latest security fixes. Make sure to test these fixes in your test environments
before updating production instances.
The most recent SQL Server patches can be found here:
Hotfixes and Cumulative updates: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/sqlreleaseservices/
7|Page

Service Packs: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968382

Default Value:
Service packs and patches are not installed by default.
References:
1. http://support.microsoft.com/sp
2. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/968382

1.2 Install on dedicated single-function member servers (Not Scored)

Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
It is recommended that SQL Server software be installed on a dedicated server. This
architectural consideration affords security flexibility in that the database server can be
placed on a separate subnet allowing access only from particular hosts and over particular
protocols. Degrees of availability are easier to achieve as well - over time, an enterprise
can move from a single database server to a failover to a cluster using load balancing or to
some combination thereof.
Rationale:
It is easier to manage (i.e. reduce) the attack surface of the server hosting SQL Server
software if the only surfaces to consider are the underlying operating system, SQL Server
itself, and any security/operational tooling that may additionally be installed. As noted in
the description, availability can be more easily addressed if the database is on a dedicated
server.
Audit:
Ensure that no other roles are enabled for the underlying operating system and that no
excess tooling is installed, per enterprise policy.
Remediation:
Uninstall excess tooling and/or remove unnecessary roles from the underlying operating
system.

8|Page

Impact:
It is difficult to see any reasonably adverse impact to making this architectural change,
once the costs of making the change have been paid. Custom applications may need to be
modified to accommodate database connections over the wire rather than on the host (i.e.
using TCP/IP instead of Named Pipes). Additional hardware and operating system licenses
may be required to make these architectural changes.

2 Surface Area Reduction

SQL Server offers various configuration options, some of them can be controlled by the
sp_configure stored procedures. This section contains the listing of the corresponding
recommendations.

2.1 Set the 'Ad Hoc Distributed Queries' Server Configuration Option to 0
(Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
Ad Hoc Distributed Queries Allow users to query data and execute statements on external
data sources. This functionality should be disabled.
Rationale:
This feature can be used to remotely access and exploit vulnerabilities on remote SQL
Server instances and to run unsafe Visual Basic for Application functions.
Audit:
Run the following T-SQL command:
SELECT name, CAST(value as int) as value_configured, CAST(value_in_use as int) as
value_in_use
FROM sys.configurations
WHERE name = 'ad hoc distributed queries';

Both value columns must show 0.

Remediation:
Run the following T-SQL command:
9|Page

EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;

RECONFIGURE;
EXECUTE sp_configure 'Ad Hoc Distributed Queries', 0;
RECONFIGURE;
GO
EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 0;
RECONFIGURE;

Default Value:
0 (disabled)
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187569(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187569(v=sql.100).aspx

2.2 Set the 'CLR Enabled' Server Configuration Option to 0 (Scored)

Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
The CLR enabled option specifies whether user assemblies can be run by SQL Server.
Rationale:
Enabling use of CLR assemblies widens the attack surface of SQL Server and puts it at risk
from both inadvertent and malicious assemblies.
Audit:
Run the following T-SQL command:
SELECT name,
CAST(value as int) as value_configured,
CAST(value_in_use as int) as value_in_use
FROM sys.configurations
WHERE name = 'clr enabled';

Both value columns must show 0.

Remediation:
Run the following T-SQL command:

10 | P a g e

EXECUTE sp_configure 'clr enabled', 0;

RECONFIGURE;

Default Value:
By default, this option is disabled.

2.3 Set the 'Cross DB Ownership Chaining' Server Configuration Option

to 0 (Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
This option allows controlling cross-database ownership chaining across all databases at
the instance (or server) level.
Rationale:
When enabled, this option allows a member of the db_owner role in a database to gain
access to objects owned by a login in any other database, causing an unnecessary
information disclosure. When required, cross-database ownership chaining should only be
enabled for the specific databases requiring it instead of at the instance level for all
databases by using the ALTER DATABASE <dbname> SET DB_CHAINING ON
command. This database option may not be changed on the master, model, or tempdb
system databases.
Audit:
Run the following T-SQL command:
SELECT name,
CAST(value as int) as value_configured,
CAST(value_in_use as int) as value_in_use
FROM sys.configurations
WHERE name = 'Cross db ownership chaining';

Both value columns must show 0.

Remediation:
Run the following T-SQL command:

11 | P a g e

EXECUTE sp_configure 'Cross db ownership chaining', 0;

RECONFIGURE;
GO

Default Value:
0 (disabled)
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188694(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188694(v=sql.100).aspx

2.4 Set the 'Database Mail XPs' Server Configuration Option to 0 (Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
This option controls the generation and transmission of email messages from SQL Server.
Rationale:
Disabling Database Mail reduces the SQL Server surface, eliminates a DOS attack vector and
channel to exfiltrate data from the database server to a remote host.
Audit:
Run the following T-SQL command:
SELECT name,
CAST(value as int) as value_configured,
CAST(value_in_use as int) as value_in_use
FROM sys.configurations
WHERE name = 'Database Mail XPs';

Both value columns must show 0.

Remediation:
Run the following T-SQL command:
EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;
RECONFIGURE;
EXECUTE sp_configure 'Database Mail XPs', 0;
RECONFIGURE;
GO

12 | P a g e

EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 0;

RECONFIGURE;

Default Value:
By default, this option is disabled.

2.5 Set the 'Ole Automation Procedures' Server Configuration Option to

0 (Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
Extended stored procedures that allow SQL Server users to execute functions external to
SQL Server.
Rationale:
Enabling this option will increase the attack surface of SQL Server and allow users to
execute functions in the security context of SQL Server.
Audit:
SELECT name,
CAST(value as int) as value_configured,
CAST(value_in_use as int) as value_in_use
FROM sys.configurations
WHERE name = 'Ole Automation Procedures';

Remediation:
Run the following T-SQL command:
EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;
RECONFIGURE;
EXECUTE sp_configure 'Ole Automation Procedures', 0;
RECONFIGURE;
GO
EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 0;
RECONFIGURE;

Default Value:
0 (disabled)
13 | P a g e

References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms191188(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms191188(v=sql.100).aspx

2.6 Set the 'Remote Access' Server Configuration Option to 0 (Scored)

Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
Enables the execution of local stored procedures on remote servers or remote stored
procedures on local server.
Rationale:
Functionality can be abused to launch a Denial-of-Service (DoS) attack on remote servers
by off-loading query processing to a target.
Audit:
Run the following T-SQL command:
SELECT name,
CAST(value as int) as value_configured,
CAST(value_in_use as int) as value_in_use
FROM sys.configurations
WHERE name = 'Remote access';

Both value columns must show 0.

Remediation:
Run the following T-SQL command:
EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;
RECONFIGURE;
EXECUTE sp_configure 'Remote access', 0;
RECONFIGURE;
GO
EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 0;
RECONFIGURE;

Default Value:
1 (enabled)
References:
14 | P a g e

1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187660(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187660(v=sql.100).aspx

2.7 Set the 'Remote Admin Connections' Server Configuration Option to

0 (Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
This setting controls whether a client application on a remote computer can use the
Dedicated Administrator Connection (DAC).
Rationale:
The Dedicated Administrator Connection (DAC) lets an administrator access a running
server to execute diagnostic functions or Transact-SQL statements, or to troubleshoot
problems on the server, even when the server is locked or running in an abnormal state
and not responding to a SQL Server Database Engine connection. In a cluster scenario the
administrator may not actually be logged on to the same node that is currently hosting the
SQL Server instance and thus is considered "remote". Therefore this setting should usually
be enabled (1) for SQL Server failover clusters; otherwise it should be disabled (0) which is
the default.
Audit:
Run the following T-SQL command:
USE master;
GO
SELECT name,
CAST(value as int) as value_configured,
CAST(value_in_use as int) as value_in_use
FROM sys.configurations
WHERE name = 'Remote admin connections'
AND SERVERPROPERTY('IsClustered') = 0;

If no data is returned, the instance is a cluster and this recommendation is not

applicable. If data is returned, then both the value columns must show 0.
Remediation:
Run the following T-SQL command on non-clustered installations:
15 | P a g e

EXECUTE sp_configure 'Remote admin connections', 0;

RECONFIGURE;
GO

Default Value:
0 (disabled)
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms190468(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms190468(v=sql.100).aspx

2.8 Set the 'Scan For Startup Procs' Server Configuration Option to 0
(Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
This option causes SQL Server to scan for and automatically run all stored procedures that
are set to execute upon service startup.
Rationale:
Enforcing this control reduces the threat of an entity leveraging these facilities for
malicious purposes.
Audit:
Run the following T-SQL command:
SELECT name,
CAST(value as int) as value_configured,
CAST(value_in_use as int) as value_in_use
FROM sys.configurations
WHERE name = 'Scan for startup procs';

Both value columns must show 0.

Remediation:
Run the following T-SQL command:
EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;
RECONFIGURE;
EXECUTE sp_configure 'Scan for startup procs', 0;

16 | P a g e

RECONFIGURE;
GO
EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 0;
RECONFIGURE;

Impact:
Setting Scan for Startup Procedures to 0 will prevent certain audit traces and other
commonly used monitoring SPs from re-starting on start up. Additionally, replication
requires this setting to be enabled (1) and will automatically change this setting if needed.
Default Value:
0 (disabled)
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms179460(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms179460(v=sql.100).aspx

2.9 Set the 'Trustworthy' Database Property to Off (Scored)

Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
The TRUSTWORTHY option allows database objects to access objects in other database
under certain circumstances.
Rationale:
Provides protection from malicious CLR assemblies or extended procedures.
Audit:
Run the following T-SQL query to list the database with a Trustworthy database property
value of ON:
SELECT name
FROM sys.databases
WHERE is_trustworthy_on = 1
AND name != 'msdb'
AND state = 0;

17 | P a g e

Remediation:
Execute the following statement against the database:
ALTER DATABASE <dbname>
SET TRUSTWORTHY OFF;

Default Value:
OFF
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187861(v=sql.100).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms187861(v=sql.105).aspx

2.10 Disable Unnecessary SQL Server Protocols (Not Scored)

Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
SQL Server supports Shared Memory, Named Pipes, TCP/IP and VIA protocols. However,
SQL Server should be configured to use the bare minimum required based on the
organization's needs.
Rationale:
Using fewer protocols minimizes the attack surface of SQL Server and in some cases can
protect it from remote attacks.
Audit:
Open SQL Server Configuration Manager; go to the SQL Server Network
Configuration. Ensure that only required protocols are enabled.
Remediation:
Open SQL Server Configuration Manager; go to the SQL Server Network
Configuration. Ensure that only required protocols are enabled. Disable protocols not
necessary.
Impact:
18 | P a g e

The Database Engine must be stopped and restarted for the change to take effect.
Default Value:
By default, TCP/IP and Shared Memory protocols are enabled on all commerical SQL Server
2008 instances.
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms191294(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms191294(v=sql.100).aspx

2.11 Configure SQL Server to use non-standard ports (Not Scored)

Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
If enabled, the default SQL Server instance will be assigned a default port of TCP:1433 for
TCP/IP communication. Administrators can also configure named instances to use
TCP:1433 for communication. TCP:1433 is a widely known SQL Server port and this port
assignment should be changed.
Rationale:
Using a non-default port helps protect the database from attacks directed to the default
port.
Audit:
Open a powershell window and run the following command:
PS C:\>netstat -ano|select-string 1433.+listening

This should return no lines. If any lines returned, check the process id in the last column if
it's a SQL Server instance.
Remediation:
1. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, in the console pane, expand SQL Server
Network Configuration, expand Protocols for , and then double-click the TCP/IP or
VIA protocol
2. In the TCP/IP Properties dialog box, on the IP Addresses tab, several IP addresses
appear in the format IP1, IP2, up to IPAll. One of these is for the IP address of the
19 | P a g e

loopback adapter, 127.0.0.1. Additional IP addresses appear for each IP Address on

the computer
3. Change the TCP Port field from 1433 to another non-standard port or leave the TCP
Port field empty and set the TCP Dynamic Ports value to 0 to enable dynamic port
assignment and then click OK.
4. In the console pane, click SQL Server Services.
5. In the details pane, right-click SQL Server () and then click Restart, to stop and
restart SQL Server.
Impact:
Changing the default port will force DAC (Default Administrator Connection) to listen on a
random port. Also, it might make benign applications, such as application firewalls, require
special configuration.
Default Value:
By default, default SQL Server instances listen on to TCP/IP traffic on TCP port 1433 and
named instances use dynamic ports.
References:
1. http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308091
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms177440(v=sql.105).aspx
3. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms177440(v=sql.100).aspx

2.12 Set the 'Hide Instance' option to 'Yes' for Production SQL Server
instances (Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
Non-clustered SQL Server instances within production environments should be designated
as hidden to prevent advertisement by the SQL Server Browser service.
Rationale:
Designating production SQL Server instances as hidden leads to a more secure installation
because they cannot be enumerated. However, clustered instances may break if this option
is selected.

20 | P a g e

Audit:
1. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, expand SQL Server Network Configuration,
right-click Protocols for <server instance>, and then select Properties.
2. On the Flags tab, in the Hide Instance box, select Yes, and then click OK to close the
dialog box. The change takes effect immediately for new connections.
Remediation:
1. In SQL Server Configuration Manager, expand SQL Server Network Configuration,
right-click Protocols for <server instance>, and then select Properties.
2. On the Flags tab, in the Hide Instance box, select Yes, and then click OK to close the
dialog box. The change takes effect immediately for new connections.
Default Value:
By default, SQL Server instances are not hidden.
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms179327(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms179327(v=sql.100).aspx

2.13 Disable the 'sa' Login Account (Scored)

Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
The sa account is a widely known and often widely used SQL Server account with
sysadmin privileges.
Rationale:
Enforcing this control reduces the probability of an attacker executing brute force attacks
against a well-known principal.
Audit:
Use the following syntax to determine if the sa account is disabled.
SELECT name, is_disabled
FROM sys.server_principals
WHERE sid = 0x01;

21 | P a g e

An is_disabled value of 1 indicates the account is currently disabled.

Remediation:
Execute the following query:
ALTER LOGIN sa DISABLE;

Impact:
It is not a good security practice to code applications or scripts to use the sa account.
However, if this has been done disabling the sa account will prevent scripts and
applications for authenticating to the database server and executing required tasks or
functions.
Default Value:
By default the 'sa' login account is enabled.
References:
1.
2.
3.
4.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188786(v=sql.100).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188786(v=sql.105).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms189828(v=sql.100).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms189828(v=sql.105).aspx

2.14 Rename the 'sa' Login Account (Scored)

Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
The sa account is a widely known and often widely used SQL Server account with
sysadmin privileges.
Rationale:
It is more difficult to launch password-guessing and brute-force attacks against the sa
account if the username is not known.
Audit:

22 | P a g e

Use the following syntax to determine if the sa account is renamed.

SELECT name
FROM sys.server_principals
WHERE sid = 0x01;

A name of sa indicates the account has not been renamed.

Remediation:
Replace the different_user value within the below syntax and execute rename the sa login.
ALTER LOGIN sa WITH NAME = different_user;

Impact:
It is not a good security practice to code applications or scripts to use the sa account.
However, if this has been done renaming the sa account will prevent scripts and
applications for authenticating to the database server and executing required tasks or
functions.
Default Value:
By default the 'sa'account name is 'sa'
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms144284.aspx

2.15 Set the 'xp_cmdshell' Server Configuration Option to 0 (Scored)

Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
The xp_cmdshell procedure allows an authenticated SQL Server user to execute operatingsystem command shell commands and return results as rows within the SQL client.
Rationale:
xp_cmdshell is commonly used by attackers to read or write data to/from the underlying
Operating System of a database server.
23 | P a g e

Audit:
Run the following code snippet to determine if the xp_cmdshell system stored procedure is
enabled:
EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options',1;
RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE;
EXECUTE sp_configure 'xp_cmdshell';

A run value of 0 indicates that the xp_cmdshell option is disabled. If the option is enabled,
run the following code snippet to disable this option:
EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options',1;
RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE;
EXECUTE sp_configure 'xp_cmdshell',0;
RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE;

Remediation:
Run the following T-SQL command:
EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;
RECONFIGURE;
EXECUTE sp_configure 'Xp_cmdshell', 0;
RECONFIGURE; GO EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 0;
RECONFIGURE;

Default Value:
0 (disabled)
References:
1.
2.
3.
4.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms175046(v=sql.105).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms175046(v=sql.100).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms190693(v=sql.105).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms190693(v=sql.100).aspx

24 | P a g e

3 Authentication and Authorization

3.1 Set The 'Server Authentication' Property To Windows Authentication
mode (Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
Uses Windows Authentication to validate attempted connections.
Rationale:
Windows provides a more robust authentication mechanism than SQL Server
authentication.
Audit:
Execute the following syntax:
xp_loginconfig 'login mode';

A config_value of Windows NT Authentication indicates the Server Authentication property

is set to Windows Authentication mode
Remediation:
Perform the following steps:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Open SQL Server Management Studio.

Open the Object Explorer tab and connect to the target database instance.
Right click the instance name and select Properties.
Select the Security page from the left menu.
Set the Server authentication setting to Windows Authentication mode.

Default Value:
Windows Authentication Mode
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188470(v=sql.100).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188470(v=sql.105).aspx
25 | P a g e

3.2 Revoke CONNECT permissions on the 'guest user' within all SQL
Server databases excluding the master, msdb and tempdb (Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
Removes the right of guest users to connect to SQL Server user databases.
Rationale:
A login assumes the identity of the guest user when a login has access to SQL Server but
does not have access to a database through its own account and the database has a guest
user account. Revoking the connect permission for the guest user will ensure that a login is
not able to access database information without explicit access to do so.
Audit:
Run the following code snippet in each database in the instance to determine if the guest
user has CONNECT permission.
USE [database_name];
GO
SELECT DB_NAME() AS DBName, dpr.name, dpe.permission_name
FROM sys.database_permissions dpe
JOIN sys.database_principals dpr
ON dpe.grantee_principal_id=dpr.principal_id
WHERE dpr.name='guest'
AND dpe.permission_name='CONNECT';

Remediation:
The following code snippet revokes CONNECT permissions from the guest user in a
database:
USE [database_name];
GO
REVOKE CONNECT FROM guest;

Impact:
When CONNECT permission to the guest user is revoked, a SQL Server instance login must
be mapped to a database user explicitly in order to have access to the database.
Default Value:
26 | P a g e

The guest user account is added to each new database but without CONNECT permission
by default.
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb402861(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb402861(v=sql.100).aspx

3.3 Drop Orphaned Users From SQL Server Databases (Scored)

Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
A database user for which the corresponding SQL Server login is undefined or is incorrectly
defined on a server instance cannot log in to the instance and is referred to as orphaned
and should be removed.
Rationale:
Orphan users should be removed to avoid potential misuse of those broken users in any
way.
Audit:
Run the following T-SQL query to identify orphan users:
EXEC sp_change_users_login @Action='Report';

Remediation:
Run the following T-SQL query to remove an orphan user:
DROP USER <username>;

References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms175475(v=sql.100).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms175475(v=sql.105).aspx

27 | P a g e

4 Password Policies
4.1 Set the 'MUST_CHANGE' Option to ON for All SQL Authenticated
Logins (Not Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
SQL Server will prompt for an updated password the first time the altered login is used.
Rationale:
Enforcing password change will prevent the account administrators or anyone accessing
the initial password to misuse the SQL login created without being noticed.
Audit:
1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Open Object Explorer and connect to the target instance.
3. Navigate to the Logins tab in Object Explorer and expand. Right click on the desired
login and select Properties.
4. Verify the User must change password at next login checkbox is checked
Remediation:
Set the MUST_CHANGE option for SQL Authenticated logins
ALTER LOGIN login_name WITH PASSWORD = password_value MUST_CHANGE;

Impact:
CHECK_EXPIRATION and CHECK_POLICY options must both be ON
Default Value:
ON
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms189828(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms189828(v=sql.100).aspx
28 | P a g e

4.2 Set the 'CHECK_EXPIRATION' Option to ON for All SQL Authenticated

Logins Within the Sysadmin Role (Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
Applies the same password expiration policy used in Windows to passwords used inside
SQL Server.
Rationale:
Ensuring SQL logins comply with the secure password policy applied by the Windows
Server Benchmark will ensure the passwords for SQL logins with Sysadmin privileges are
changed on a frequent basis to help prevent compromise via a brute force attack.
Audit:
SELECT SQLLoginName = sp.name
FROM sys.server_principals sp
JOIN sys.sql_logins AS sl
ON sl.principal_id = sp.principal_id
WHERE sp.type_desc = 'SQL_LOGIN'
AND sp.name in
(SELECT name AS IsSysAdmin
FROM sys.server_principals p
WHERE IS_SRVROLEMEMBER('sysadmin',name) = 1)
AND sl.is_expiration_checked <> 1;

Remediation:
ALTER LOGIN [login_name] WITH CHECK_EXPIRATION = ON;

Default Value:
'CHECK_EXPIRATION' is ON
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms161959(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms161959(v=sql.100).aspx

4.3 Set the 'CHECK_POLICY' Option to ON for All SQL Authenticated

Logins (Scored)
29 | P a g e

Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
Applies the same password complexity policy used in Windows to passwords used inside
SQL Server.
Rationale:
Ensuring SQL logins comply with the secure password policy applied by the Windows
Server Benchmark will ensure SQL logins are not blank and cannot be easily compromised
via brute force attack.
Audit:
Use the following code snippet to determine the SQL Logins and if their password
complexity is enforced.
SELECT SQLLoginName = sp.name,
PasswordPolicyEnforced = CAST(sl.is_policy_checked AS BIT)
FROM sys.server_principals sp
JOIN sys.sql_logins AS sl ON sl.principal_id = sp.principal_id
WHERE sp.type_desc = 'SQL_LOGIN';

A PasswordPolicyEnforced value of 0 indicates that the 'Check_Policy' option is OFF

Remediation:
ALTER LOGIN [login_name] WITH CHECK_POLICY = ON;

Default Value:
'CHECK_POLICY' is ON
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms161959(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms161959(v=sql.100).aspx

30 | P a g e

5 Auditing and Logging

SQL Server audit and logging configuration settings.

5.1 Set the 'Maximum number of error log files' setting to greater than
or equal to 12 (Not Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
SQL Server errorlog files must be protected from loss. The log files must be backed up
before they are overwritten.
Rationale:
The SQL Server errorlog contains important information about major server events and
login attempt information as well.
Audit:
1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Open Object Explorer and connect to the target instance.
3. Navigate to the Management tab in Object Explorer and expand. Right click on the
SQL Server Logs file and select Configure.
4. Verify the Limit the number of error log files before they are recycled checkbox is
checked
5. Verify the Maximum number of error log files is greater than or equal to 12
Remediation:
Adjust the number of logs to prevent data loss. The default value of 6 may be insufficient
for a production environment.
1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Open Object Explorer and connect to the target instance.
3. Navigate to the Management tab in Object Explorer and expand. Right click on the
SQL Server Logs file and select Configure
4. Check the Limit the number of error log files before they are recycled
5. Set the Maximum number of error log files to greater than or equal to 12

31 | P a g e

Default Value:
6 SQL Server error logs are retained by default.
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms177285(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms177285(v=sql.100).aspx

5.2 Set the 'Default Trace Enabled' Server Configuration Option to 1

(Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
The default trace provides audit logging of database activity including account creations,
privilege elevation and execution of DBCC commands.
Rationale:
Default trace provides valuable audit information regarding security-related activities on
the server.
Audit:
Run the following T-SQL command:
SELECT name,
CAST(value as int) as value_configured,
CAST(value_in_use as int) as value_in_use
FROM sys.configurations
WHERE name = 'Default trace enabled';

Both value columns must show 1.

Remediation:
Run the following T-SQL command:
EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1;
RECONFIGURE;
EXECUTE sp_configure 'Default trace enabled', 1;
RECONFIGURE;
GO

32 | P a g e

EXECUTE sp_configure 'show advanced options', 0;

RECONFIGURE;

Default Value:
1 (on)
References:
1. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms175513(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms175513(v=sql.100).aspx

5.3 Set 'Login Auditing' to Both failed and successful logins (Not Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
Setting logs both successful and failed login SQL Server authentication attempts.
Rationale:
Logging successful and failed logins provides key information that can be used to
detect\confirm password guessing attacks. Further, logging successful login attempts can
be used to confirm server access during forensic investigations.
Audit:
XP_loginconfig 'audit level';

A config_value of 'all' indicates a server login auditing setting of 'Both failed and successful
logins'.
Remediation:
Perform the following steps to set the level of auditing:
1. Open SQL Server Management Studio.
2. Right click the target instance and select Properties and navigate to the Security tab.
3. Select the option Both failed and successful logins under the "Login Auditing"
section and click OK.
4. Restart the SQL Server instance.
Default Value:
33 | P a g e

By default, only failed login attempted are captured.

References:
1. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188470(v=sql.105).aspx
2. http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188470(v=sql.100).aspx

6 Application Development
6.1 Sanitize Database and Application User Input (Not Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
Always validate user input received from a database client or application by testing type,
length, format, and range prior to transmitting it to the database server.
Rationale:
Sanitizing user input drastically minimizes risk of SQL injection.

Audit:
Check with the application teams to ensure any database interaction is through the use of
stored procedures and not dynamic SQL. Revoke any INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE
privileges to users so that modifications to data must be done through stored procedures.
Verify that there's no SQL query in the application code produced by string concatenation.
Remediation:
The following steps can be taken to remediate SQL injection vulnerabilities:

Review TSQL and application code for SQL Injection

Only permit minimally privileged accounts to send user input to the server
Minimize the risk of SQL injection attack by using parameterized commands and
stored procedures
Reject user input containing binary data, escape sequences, and comment
characters
Always validate user input and do not use it directly to build SQL statements

Impact:
34 | P a g e

Sanitize user input may require changes to application code or database object syntax.
These changes can require applications or databases to be taken temporarily off-line. Any
change to TSQL or application code should be thoroughly tested in testing environment
before production implementation.
References:
1. https://www.owasp.org/index.php/SQL_Injection
2. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms161953(v=sql.100).aspx
3. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms161953(v=sql.105).aspx

6.2 Set the 'CLR Assembly Permission Set' to SAFE_ACCESS for All CLR
Assemblies (Scored)
Profile Applicability:
Level 1 - Database Engine
Description:
Setting CLR Assembly Permission Sets to SAFE_ACCESS will prevent assemblies
from accessing external system resources such as files, the network, environment
variables, or the registry.
Rationale:
Assemblies with EXTERNAL_ACCESS or UNSAFE permission sets can be used to access
sensitive areas of the operating system, steal and/or transmit data and alter the state and
other protection measures of the underlying Windows Operating System.
Audit:
Execute the following SQL statement:
SELECT name,
permission_set_desc
FROM sys.assemblies
where is_user_defined = 1;
All the returned assemblies should show SAFE_ACCESS in the permission_set_desc column.
Remediation:
ALTER ASSEMBLY assembly_name WITH PERMISSION_SET = SAFE;
35 | P a g e

Impact:
The remediation measure should first be tested within a test environment prior to
production to ensure the assembly still functions as designed with SAFE permission setting.
Default Value:
SAFE permission set
References:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms345101(v=sql.105).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms189790(v=sql.100).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms189790(v=sql.105).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms345101(v=sql.100).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms186711(v=sql.100).aspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms186711(v=sql.105).aspx

36 | P a g e

Appendix: Change History

Date

Version

Changes for this version

09-07-2014

1.1.0

Updated 2.7 Set the 'Remote Admin

Connections' Server Configuration Option
per Ticket #100

09-07-2014

1.1.0

Updated 4.2 and 4.3 per Ticket #111

09-07-2014

1.1.0

Updated 2.7 per Ticket #112

09-07-2014

1.1.0

Updated 2.12 Hide SQL Server Instance per

Ticket #114

09-07-2014

1.1.0

Updated 2.8 "Scan for Startup Procs" Server

Configuration Setting per Ticket #102

09-07-2014

1.1.0

Updated 2.3 per Ticket #98

09-07-2014

1.1.0

Moved recommendation to disable

xp_cmdshell to Section 2 per Ticket #117

09-07-2014

1.1.0

Removed Section 3 per Ticket #106

37 | P a g e