STIGQter: STIG Summary: MS SQL Server 2016 Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 3 Release: 6 Benchmark Date: 05 Jan 2026:

SQL Server must prevent unauthorized and unintended information transfer via Instant File Initialization (IFI).

DISA Rule

SV-213976r1137657_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-213976

Group Title

SRG-APP-000243-DB-000373

Rule Version

SQL6-D0-009900

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-001090 - Prevent unauthorized and unintended information transfer via shared system resources.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

If IFI is not documented as being required, disable instant file initialization for the instance of SQL Server by removing the SQL Service SID and/or service account from the "Perform volume maintenance tasks" Local Rights Assignment.

Check Contents

Review system configuration to determine whether IFI support has been enabled (by default in SQL Server 2016).

Start >> Control Panel >> System and Security >> Administrative Tools >> Local Security Policy >> Local Policies >> User Rights Assignment >> Perform volume maintenance tasks

The default SQL service account for a default instance is NT SERVICE\MSSQLSERVER or for a named instance is NT SERVICE\MSSQL$InstanceName.

If the SQL service account or SQL service SID has been granted "Perform volume maintenance tasks" Local Rights Assignment, this means that Instant File Initialization (IFI) is enabled.

Review the system documentation to determine if Instant File Initialization (IFI) is required.

If IFI is enabled but not documented as required, this is a finding.

If IFI is not enabled, this is not a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-213976

Documentable

False

Rule Version

SQL6-D0-009900

Severity Override Guidance

Review system configuration to determine whether IFI support has been enabled (by default in SQL Server 2016).

Start >> Control Panel >> System and Security >> Administrative Tools >> Local Security Policy >> Local Policies >> User Rights Assignment >> Perform volume maintenance tasks

The default SQL service account for a default instance is NT SERVICE\MSSQLSERVER or for a named instance is NT SERVICE\MSSQL$InstanceName.

If the SQL service account or SQL service SID has been granted "Perform volume maintenance tasks" Local Rights Assignment, this means that Instant File Initialization (IFI) is enabled.

Review the system documentation to determine if Instant File Initialization (IFI) is required.

If IFI is enabled but not documented as required, this is a finding.

If IFI is not enabled, this is not a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

3993