2.10 Ensure Unnecessary SQL Server Protocols are set to 'Disabled'

Information

SQL Server supports Shared Memory, Named Pipes, TCP/IP and VIA protocols. However, SQL Server should be configured to use the bare minimum required based on the organization's needs.

Rationale:

Using fewer protocols minimizes the attack surface of SQL Server and, in some cases, can protect it from remote attacks.

NOTE: Nessus has provided the target output to assist in reviewing the benchmark to ensure target compliance.

Solution

Open SQL Server Configuration Manager; go to the SQL Server Network Configuration. Ensure that only required protocols are enabled. Disable protocols not necessary.

Impact:

The Database Engine must be stopped and restarted for the change to take effect.

Default Value:

By default, TCP/IP and Shared Memory protocols are enabled on all commercial editions.

References:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/sql/database-engine/configure-windows/enable-or-disable-a-server-network-protocol

See Also

https://workbench.cisecurity.org/files/2837

Item Details

Category: SYSTEM AND INFORMATION INTEGRITY

References: 800-53|SI-4, CSCv6|9.1, CSCv7|9.2

Plugin: Windows

Control ID: 5ad757e7f07bf86cd606822bed131c06280956aae09a3dfd37fdab94c609560e