SQL Server must have the Full-Text Search software component removed if it is unused.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-67835	SQL4-00-016815	SV-82325r1_rule		Medium

Description
Information systems are capable of providing a wide variety of functions and services. Some of the functions and services, provided by default or selected for installation by an administrator, may not be necessary to support essential organizational operations (e.g., key missions, functions). Applications must adhere to the principles of least functionality by providing only essential capabilities. Unused and unnecessary SQL Server components increase the number of available attack vectors. By minimizing the services and applications installed on the system, the number of potential vulnerabilities is reduced. The Full-Text Search software component must be removed from SQL Server if it is unused.

Description

Information systems are capable of providing a wide variety of functions and services. Some of the functions and services, provided by default or selected for installation by an administrator, may not be necessary to support essential organizational operations (e.g., key missions, functions). Applications must adhere to the principles of least functionality by providing only essential capabilities. Unused and unnecessary SQL Server components increase the number of available attack vectors. By minimizing the services and applications installed on the system, the number of potential vulnerabilities is reduced. The Full-Text Search software component must be removed from SQL Server if it is unused.

STIG	Date
MS SQL Server 2014 Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide	2016-06-27

Details

Check Text ( C-68403r1_chk )
If the SQL Server full-text search feature is used and satisfies organizational requirements, this is not a finding. From a command prompt or the Start menu, using an account with System Administrator Privilege, open services.msc. Look for: "SQL Full-text Daemon Launcher()". If the "SQL Full-text Daemon Launcher()" service exists, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-73951r1_fix)
Either using the Start menu or via the command "control.exe", open the Windows Control Panel. Open Programs and Features. Double-click on Microsoft SQL Server 2014. In the dialog box that appears, select Remove. Wait for the Remove wizard to appear. Select the relevant SQL Server instance; click Next. Select Full-Text and Semantic Extractions for Search; click Next. Follow the remaining prompts, to remove Full-Text and Semantic Extractions for Search from SQL Server.

Fix Text (F-73951r1_fix)

Either using the Start menu or via the command "control.exe", open the Windows Control Panel. Open Programs and Features. Double-click on Microsoft SQL Server 2014. In the dialog box that appears, select Remove. Wait for the Remove wizard to appear.

Select the relevant SQL Server instance; click Next.

Select Full-Text and Semantic Extractions for Search; click Next.

Follow the remaining prompts, to remove Full-Text and Semantic Extractions for Search from SQL Server.