Software updates to SQL Server must be tested before being applied to production systems.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-67915	SQL4-00-035500	SV-82405r1_rule		Medium

Description
While it is important to apply SQL Server updates in a timely manner, it is also incumbent upon the database administrator and/or system administrator to ensure that their deployment will not interfere with the operation of the database and its applications. Other than in emergency situations, SQL Server updates must be applied to appropriately configured non-production systems, and the resulting version of SQL Server assessed for correct operation.

Description

While it is important to apply SQL Server updates in a timely manner, it is also incumbent upon the database administrator and/or system administrator to ensure that their deployment will not interfere with the operation of the database and its applications. Other than in emergency situations, SQL Server updates must be applied to appropriately configured non-production systems, and the resulting version of SQL Server assessed for correct operation.

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

Details

Check Text ( C-68485r1_chk )
Obtain evidence that SQL Server software updates are tested before being applied to production servers, and that any exceptions are approved by the ISSM. If such evidence cannot be obtained, or the evidence that is obtained indicates a pattern of noncompliance, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-74031r1_fix)
Institute and adhere to policies and procedures to ensure that SQL Server updates are tested prior to installation on production servers.