V-271329

Discussion

Applications, including SQL Server, must prevent unauthorized and unintended information transfer via shared system resources. Permitting only DBMS processes and authorized, administrative users to have access to the files where the database resides helps ensure that those files are not shared inappropriately and are not open to backdoor access and manipulation.

Check Content

Review the permissions granted to users by the operating system/file system on the database files, database log files, and database backup files. 

To obtain the location of SQL Server data, transaction log, and backup files, open and execute the supplemental file "Get SQL Data and Backup Directories.sql".

For each of the directories returned by the above script, verify whether the correct permissions have been applied.

1. Launch Windows Explorer.
2. Navigate to the folder.
3. Right-click the folder and click "Properties".
4. Navigate to the "Security" tab.
5. Review the listing of principals and permissions.

Account Type Directory Type Permission
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Database Administrators      ALL                   Full Control
SQL Server Service SID       Data; Log; Backup;    Full Control
SQL Server Agent Service SID Backup                Full Control
SYSTEM                       ALL                   Full Control
CREATOR OWNER                ALL                   Full Control

For information on how to determine a "Service SID", refer to https://aka.ms/sql-service-sids.

Additional permission requirements, including full directory permissions and operating system rights for SQL Server, are documented at https://aka.ms/sqlservicepermissions.

If any additional permissions are granted but not documented as authorized, this is a finding.