Database software directories including DBMS configuration files are stored in dedicated directories separate from the host OS and other applications.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-4754	DG0012-SQLServer9	SV-24125r1_rule	DCPA-1	Medium

Description
Multiple applications can provide a cumulative negative effect. A vulnerability and subsequent exploit to one application can lead to an exploit of other applications sharing the same security context. For example, an exploit to a web server process that leads to unauthorized administrative access to host system directories can most likely lead to a compromise of all applications hosted by the same system. Database software not installed using dedicated directoriies both threatens and is threatened by other hosted applications. Access controls defined for one application may by default provide access to the other application’s database objects or directories. Any method that provides any level of separation of security context assists in the protection between applications.

Description

Multiple applications can provide a cumulative negative effect. A vulnerability and subsequent exploit to one application can lead to an exploit of other applications sharing the same security context. For example, an exploit to a web server process that leads to unauthorized administrative access to host system directories can most likely lead to a compromise of all applications hosted by the same system. Database software not installed using dedicated directoriies both threatens and is threatened by other hosted applications. Access controls defined for one application may by default provide access to the other application’s database objects or directories. Any method that provides any level of separation of security context assists in the protection between applications.

STIG	Date
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide	2015-06-16

Details

Check Text ( C-20393r1_chk )
Review the SQL Server software library directory. The SQL Server software library is defined in the registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Microsoft SQL Server \ MSSQL.[ #] \ Setup \ SQLProgramDir Note any custom subdirectories within the SQL Server software library directory. If any directories or files not installed with the SQL Server software exist with the SQL Server software directory, this is a Finding. Only applications that are required for the functioning and administration, not use, of the DBMS should be located on the same disk directory as the DBMS software libraries.

Check Text ( C-20393r1_chk )

Review the SQL Server software library directory. The SQL Server software library is defined in the registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Microsoft SQL Server \ MSSQL.[ #] \ Setup \ SQLProgramDir

Note any custom subdirectories within the SQL Server software library directory.

If any directories or files not installed with the SQL Server software exist with the SQL Server software directory, this is a Finding.

Only applications that are required for the functioning and administration, not use, of the DBMS should be located on the same disk directory as the DBMS software libraries.

Fix Text (F-19758r1_fix)
Install SQL Server DBMS software using directories separate from the OS and other application software library directories. Re-locate any directories or re-install other application software that currently shares the DBMS software library directory to separate directories. Recommend dedicating a separate partition for the DBMS software libraries where supported by the DBMS.