sp_check: SQL Server Database Checks

Password vulnerabilities

What's the issue?

One or more logins have been identified as having a password that is very easy to guess. Common password issues include being blank, the same as the login, or the word "password".

Why is this a problem?

You don't want database users randomly guessing passwords and using someone else's login. Doing this can not only give them elevated permissions, but by impersonating another account they could cover their track for whatever misdoings they undertake.

What should you do about this?

Find the owners of these logins and have them change the passwords to something more secure and less easy to be guessed.

What do the Vulnerability Levels mean?

0 - Information only. This is stuff you should know about your instances like version and service account used, but if you don't know it…well, now you do.

1 - High vulnerability requiring action. These are the issues that could most likely lead to your company being front page news for all the wrong reasons. If your instances have any results at this level then we recommend cancelling that 3-martini lunch and instead huddling with your team to figure out when to address these issues.

2 - High vulnerability to review. These include settings and assigned permissions you should review soon, if not immediately. These findings may not necessarily indicate a clear vulnerability, but we've found unexpected vulnerabilities in these categories at many, many clients.

3 - Potential vulnerability to review. These are configurations or assigned permissions you may be using that could lead to problems for users. Or maybe they're just required for your applications. Either way, we recommend reviewing these to make sure these are correct.

4 – Low vulnerability with recommended action. These are typically security inconsistencies that should be addressed. They aren't likely to cause problems, but you should clean up the mess.