SQL Server must generate audit records when concurrent logons/connections by the same user from different workstations occur.

From MS SQL Server 2016 Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of SRG-APP-000506-DB-000353

Associated with: CCI-000172

SV-94003r1_rule SQL Server must generate audit records when concurrent logons/connections by the same user from different workstations occur.

Vulnerability discussion

For completeness of forensic analysis, it is necessary to track who logs on to SQL Server. Concurrent connections by the same user from multiple workstations may be valid use of the system; or such connections may be due to improper circumvention of the requirement to use the CAC for authentication; or they may indicate unauthorized account sharing; or they may be because an account has been compromised. (If the fact of multiple, concurrent logons by a given user can be reliably reconstructed from the log entries for other events (logons/connections; voluntary and involuntary disconnections), then it is not mandatory to create additional log entries specifically for this.)

Check content

Determine if an audit is configured and started by executing the following query. SELECT name AS 'Audit Name', status_desc AS 'Audit Status', audit_file_path AS 'Current Audit File' FROM sys.dm_server_audit_status If no records are returned, this is a finding. Execute the following query to verify the "SUCCESSFUL_LOGIN_GROUP" is included in the server audit specification. SELECT a.name AS 'AuditName', s.name AS 'SpecName', d.audit_action_name AS 'ActionName', d.audited_result AS 'Result' FROM sys.server_audit_specifications s JOIN sys.server_audits a ON s.audit_guid = a.audit_guid JOIN sys.server_audit_specification_details d ON s.server_specification_id = d.server_specification_id WHERE a.is_state_enabled = 1 AND d.audit_action_name = 'SUCCESSFUL_LOGIN_GROUP' If the "SUCCESSFUL_LOGIN_GROUP" is returned in an active audit, this is not a finding. If "SUCCESSFUL_LOGIN_GROUP" is not in the active audit, determine whether "Both failed and successful logins" is enabled. In SQL Management Studio: Right-click on the instance >> Select "Properties" >> Select "Security" on the left hand side >> Check the setting for "Login auditing" If "Both failed and successful logins" is not selected, this is a finding.

Fix text

Add the "SUCCESSFUL_LOGIN_GROUP" to the server audit specification. USE [master]; GO ALTER SERVER AUDIT SPECIFICATION STIG_AUDIT_SERVER_SPECIFICATION WITH (STATE = OFF); GO ALTER SERVER AUDIT SPECIFICATION STIG_AUDIT_SERVER_SPECIFICATION ADD (SUCCESSFUL_LOGIN_GROUP); GO ALTER SERVER AUDIT SPECIFICATION STIG_AUDIT_SERVER_SPECIFICATION WITH (STATE = ON); GO Alternatively, enable "Both failed and successful logins" In SQL Management Studio: Right-click on the instance >> Select "Properties" >> Select "Security" on the left hand side >> Select "Both failed and successful logins" >> Click "OK"

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