SQL Server must be configured to prohibit or restrict the use of organization-defined protocols as defined in the PPSM CAL and vulnerability assessments.

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-213961	SQL6-D0-007600	SV-213961r754605_rule		Medium

Description
In order to prevent unauthorized connection of devices, unauthorized transfer of information, or unauthorized tunneling (i.e., embedding of data types within data types), organizations must disable or restrict unused or unnecessary protocols on information systems. Applications are capable of providing a wide variety of functions and services. Some of the functions and services provided by default may not be necessary to support essential organizational operations. Additionally, it is sometimes convenient to provide multiple services from a single component (e.g., email and web services); however, doing so increases risk over limiting the services provided by any one component. To support the requirements and principles of least functionality, the application must support the organizational requirements providing only essential capabilities and limiting the use of protocols to only those required, authorized, and approved to conduct official business or to address authorized quality of life issues. SQL Server using protocols deemed unsafe is open to attack through those protocols. This can allow unauthorized access to the database and through the database to other components of the information system.

Description

In order to prevent unauthorized connection of devices, unauthorized transfer of information, or unauthorized tunneling (i.e., embedding of data types within data types), organizations must disable or restrict unused or unnecessary protocols on information systems. Applications are capable of providing a wide variety of functions and services. Some of the functions and services provided by default may not be necessary to support essential organizational operations. Additionally, it is sometimes convenient to provide multiple services from a single component (e.g., email and web services); however, doing so increases risk over limiting the services provided by any one component. To support the requirements and principles of least functionality, the application must support the organizational requirements providing only essential capabilities and limiting the use of protocols to only those required, authorized, and approved to conduct official business or to address authorized quality of life issues. SQL Server using protocols deemed unsafe is open to attack through those protocols. This can allow unauthorized access to the database and through the database to other components of the information system.

STIG	Date
MS SQL Server 2016 Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide	2022-09-12

Details

Check Text ( C-15178r313666_chk )
To determine the protocol(s) enabled for SQL Server, open SQL Server Configuration Manager. In the left-hand pane, expand SQL Server Network Configuration. Click on the entry for the SQL Server instance under review: "Protocols for ". The right-hand pane displays the protocols enabled for the instance. If Named Pipes is enabled and not specifically required and authorized, this is a finding. If any listed protocol is enabled but not authorized, this is a finding.

Check Text ( C-15178r313666_chk )

To determine the protocol(s) enabled for SQL Server, open SQL Server Configuration Manager. In the left-hand pane, expand SQL Server Network Configuration. Click on the entry for the SQL Server instance under review: "Protocols for ". The right-hand pane displays the protocols enabled for the instance.

If Named Pipes is enabled and not specifically required and authorized, this is a finding.

If any listed protocol is enabled but not authorized, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-15176r313667_fix)
In SQL Server Configuration Manager >> SQL Server Network Configuration >> Protocols, right-click on each listed protocol that is enabled but not authorized and Select "Disable".