sp_check: SQL Server Database Checks

Contained database

What's the issue?

You have at least one contained database, which although isolated from other databases has a different set of security benefits and challenges.

Why is this a problem?

Contained databases have authentication at the database level instead of the instance level. This means that typical instance level auditing will not be logged for contained database activities.

What should you do about this?

Review any contained databases to see if they require database level auditing through the SQL Server Audit feature. Also check to see if any contained database have cross-database ownership enabled, which could open up unexpected access to other databases.

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.