SQL Server must prohibit user installation of logic modules (stored procedures, functions, triggers, views, etc.) without explicit privileged status.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-213872	SQL4-00-033800	SV-213872r400000_rule		Medium

Description
Allowing regular users to install software, without explicit privileges, creates the risk that untested or potentially malicious software will be installed on the system. Explicit privileges (escalated or administrative privileges) provide the regular user with explicit capabilities and control that exceed the rights of a regular user. The nature and requirements of databases will vary; so while users are not permitted to install unapproved software, there may be instances where the organization allows the user to install approved software packages such as from an approved software repository. The requirements for production servers will be more restrictive than those used for development and research. SQL Server must control software installation by users based upon what types of software installations are permitted (e.g., updates and security patches to existing software) and what types of installations are prohibited (e.g., software whose pedigree with regard to being potentially malicious is unknown or suspect) by the organization). In the case of a database management system, this requirement covers stored procedures, functions, triggers, views, etc.

Description

Allowing regular users to install software, without explicit privileges, creates the risk that untested or potentially malicious software will be installed on the system. Explicit privileges (escalated or administrative privileges) provide the regular user with explicit capabilities and control that exceed the rights of a regular user. The nature and requirements of databases will vary; so while users are not permitted to install unapproved software, there may be instances where the organization allows the user to install approved software packages such as from an approved software repository. The requirements for production servers will be more restrictive than those used for development and research. SQL Server must control software installation by users based upon what types of software installations are permitted (e.g., updates and security patches to existing software) and what types of installations are prohibited (e.g., software whose pedigree with regard to being potentially malicious is unknown or suspect) by the organization). In the case of a database management system, this requirement covers stored procedures, functions, triggers, views, etc.

STIG	Date
MS SQL Server 2014 Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide	2021-12-10

Details

Check Text ( C-15091r312967_chk )
If the SQL Server instance supports only software development, experimentation and/or developer-level testing (that is, excluding production systems, integration testing, stress testing, and user acceptance testing), this is not a finding. Review the SQL Server instance and database security settings with respect to non-administrative users' ability to create, alter, or replace logic modules, to include but not necessarily only stored procedures, functions, triggers, and views. The database permission functions and views provided in the supplemental file Permissions.sql can help with this. If any such permissions exist and are not documented and approved, this is a finding.

Check Text ( C-15091r312967_chk )

If the SQL Server instance supports only software development, experimentation and/or developer-level testing (that is, excluding production systems, integration testing, stress testing, and user acceptance testing), this is not a finding.

Review the SQL Server instance and database security settings with respect to non-administrative users' ability to create, alter, or replace logic modules, to include but not necessarily only stored procedures, functions, triggers, and views. The database permission functions and views provided in the supplemental file Permissions.sql can help with this.

If any such permissions exist and are not documented and approved, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-15089r312968_fix)
Document and obtain approval for any non-administrative users who require the ability to create, alter or replace logic modules. Implement the approved permissions. Revoke (or Deny) any unapproved permissions, and remove any unauthorized role memberships.