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

Overview

Finding ID	Version	Rule ID	IA Controls	Severity
V-213962	SQL6-D0-007700	SV-213962r879588_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 physical and logical ports 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 ports to only those required, authorized, and approved to conduct official business or to address authorized quality of life issues. SQL Server using ports deemed unsafe is open to attack through those ports. 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 physical and logical ports 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 ports to only those required, authorized, and approved to conduct official business or to address authorized quality of life issues. SQL Server using ports deemed unsafe is open to attack through those ports. 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	2023-06-01

Details

Check Text ( C-15179r313669_chk )
Review SQL Server Configuration for the ports used by SQL Server. To determine whether SQL Server is configured to use a fixed port or dynamic ports, in the right-hand pane double-click on the TCP/IP entry, to open the Properties dialog. (The default fixed port is 1433.) If these are in conflict with PPSM guidance, and not explained and approved in the system documentation, this is a finding.

Fix Text (F-15177r313670_fix)
Use SQL Server Configuration to change the ports used by SQL Server to comply with PPSM guidance, or document the need for other ports, and obtain written approval. Close ports no longer needed.