SQL Server must have the Client Tools SDK software component removed if it is unused.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-213844	SQL4-00-016845	SV-213844r395853_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 Client Tools Software Development Kit 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 Client Tools Software Development Kit must be removed from SQL Server if it is unused.

STIG	Date
MS SQL Server 2014 Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide	2022-09-12

Details

Check Text ( C-15063r312883_chk )
If the Client Tools Software Development Kit is used and satisfies organizational requirements, this is not a finding. 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 '<< Remove shared features only >>'; click Next. If the list of shared features includes Client Tools SDK, this is a finding.

Check Text ( C-15063r312883_chk )

If the Client Tools Software Development Kit is used and satisfies organizational requirements, this is not a finding.

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 '<< Remove shared features only >>'; click Next.

If the list of shared features includes Client Tools SDK, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-15061r312884_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 '<< Remove shared features only >>'; click Next. Note: all SQL Server 2014 instances will be affected by this action.) Select Client Tools Software Development Kit; click Next. Follow the remaining prompts, to remove the Client Tools Software Development Kit from SQL Server.

Fix Text (F-15061r312884_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 '<< Remove shared features only >>'; click Next. Note: all SQL Server 2014 instances will be affected by this action.)

Select Client Tools Software Development Kit; click Next.

Follow the remaining prompts, to remove the Client Tools Software Development Kit from SQL Server.