SQL Server processes or services must run under custom, dedicated OS or domain accounts.

From Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Database Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide

Part of SRG-APP-000062-DB-000010

Associated with: CCI-000037

SV-53422r4_rule SQL Server processes or services must run under custom, dedicated OS or domain accounts.

Vulnerability discussion

Separation of duties is a prevalent Information Technology control that is implemented at different layers of the information system, including the operating system and in applications. It serves to eliminate or reduce the possibility that a single user may carry out a prohibited action. Separation of duties requires that the person accountable for approving an action is not the same person who is tasked with implementing or carrying out that action. The concept of separation of duties extends to processes. The DBMS must run under a custom, dedicated OS or domain account. When the DBMS is running under a shared account, users with access to that account could inadvertently or maliciously make changes to the DBMS’s settings, files, or permissions. Similarly, related services must run under dedicated accounts where this is possible. The SQL Server Browser and Writer services are exceptions: see http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh510203(v=sql.110).aspx and http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms175536(v=sql.110).aspx.

Check content

Check OS settings to determine whether SQL Server processes are running under a dedicated OS or domain account. If the SQL Server processes are running under shared accounts, this is a finding. From a Command Prompt, type services.msc, and press [ENTER]. Scroll down to the SQL Server Services. SQL Server Services begin with SQL. The following services, when present, should be listed as follows: Service Name: Log On As: SQL Full-text Filter Daemon Launcher: NT Service\UNIQUE CUSTOM ACCOUNT SQL Server [stand-alone]: NT Service\UNIQUE CUSTOM ACCOUNT SQL Server [cluster]: \ SQL Server Agent: NT Service\UNIQUE CUSTOM ACCOUNT SQL Server Analysis Services: NT Service\UNIQUE CUSTOM ACCOUNT SQL Server Browser: Local Service SQL Server Distributed Replay Client: NT Service\UNIQUE CUSTOM ACCOUNT SQL Server Distributed Replay Controller: NT Service\UNIQUE CUSTOM ACCOUNT SQL Server Integration Services 11.0: NT Service\UNIQUE CUSTOM ACCOUNT SQL Server Reporting Services: NT Service\UNIQUE CUSTOM ACCOUNT SQL Server VSS Writer: Local System UNIQUE CUSTOM ACCOUNT refers to an account with which no other service listed in the services.msc window is assigned. If any account requiring a unique custom account uses an account that any other service utilizes (regardless of service status), this is a finding.

Fix text

Configure the SQL Server services to use a custom, dedicated OS or domain account.

Pro Tips

Lavender hyperlinks in small type off to the right (of CSS class id, if you view the page source) point to globally unique URIs for each document and item. Copy the link location and paste anywhere you need to talk unambiguously about these things.

You can obtain data about documents and items in other formats. Simply provide an HTTP header Accept: text/turtle or Accept: application/rdf+xml.

Powered by sagemincer