The Database Master Key must be encrypted by the Service Master Key where required.

From Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database Security Technical Implementation Guide

Associated with: CCI-001199

SV-53944r3_rule The Database Master Key must be encrypted by the Service Master Key where required.

Vulnerability discussion

When not encrypted by the Service Master Key, system administrators or application administrators may access and use the Database Master Key to view sensitive data that they are not authorized to view. Where alternate encryption means are not feasible, encryption by the Service Master Key may be necessary. To help protect sensitive data from unauthorized access by DBAs, mitigations may be in order. Mitigations may include automatic alerts or other audit events when the Database Master Key is accessed outside of the application or by a DBA account.

Check content

From the query prompt: SELECT name FROM [master].sys.databases WHERE is_master_key_encrypted_by_server = 1 AND owner_sid <> 1 AND state = 0 If no databases are returned, this is not a finding. For any databases returned, verify in the System Security Plan that encryption of the Database Master Key using the Service Master Key is acceptable and approved by the Information Owner, and the encrypted data does not require additional protections to deter or detect DBA access. If not approved, this is a finding. If approved and additional protections are required, then verify the additional requirements are in place in accordance with the System Security Plan. These may include additional auditing on access of the Database Master Key with alerts or other automated monitoring. If the additional requirements are not in place, this is a finding.

Fix text

Where possible, encrypt the Database Master Key with a password known only to the application administrator. Where not possible, configure additional audit events or alerts to detect unauthorized access to the Database Master Key by users not authorized to view sensitive data.

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