STIGQter: STIG Summary: Microsoft Azure SQL Managed Instance Security Technical Implementation Guide Version: 1 Release: 1 Benchmark Date: 23 Sep 2025:

Access to xp_cmdshell must be disabled for Azure SQL Server Managed Instance unless specifically required and approved.

DISA Rule

SV-276300r1149809_rule

Vulnerability Number

V-276300

Group Title

SRG-APP-000141-DB-000093

Rule Version

MSQL-D0-007200

Severity

CAT II

CCI(s)

• CCI-000381 - Configure the system to provide only organization-defined mission essential capabilities.

Weight

10

Fix Recommendation

Disable use of or remove any external application executable object definitions that are not approved.

To disable the use of xp_cmdshell, from the query prompt:

EXEC SP_CONFIGURE 'show advanced options', 1;
RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE;
EXEC SP_CONFIGURE 'xp_cmdshell', 0;
RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE;
EXEC SP_CONFIGURE 'show advanced options', 0;
RECONFIGURE WITH OVERRIDE;

Check Contents

The xp_cmdshell extended stored procedure allows execution of host executables outside the controls of database access permissions. This access may be exploited by malicious users who have compromised the integrity of the Azure SQL Managed Instance database process to control the host operating system to perpetrate additional malicious activity.

To determine if xp_cmdshell is enabled, execute the following command:

SELECT name, value, value_in_use
FROM sys.configurations
WHERE name = 'xp_cmdshell'

If "value_in_use" is a "1", review the system documentation to determine whether the use of xp_cmdshell is approved. If it is not approved, this is a finding.

Vulnerability Number

V-276300

Documentable

False

Rule Version

MSQL-D0-007200

Severity Override Guidance

The xp_cmdshell extended stored procedure allows execution of host executables outside the controls of database access permissions. This access may be exploited by malicious users who have compromised the integrity of the Azure SQL Managed Instance database process to control the host operating system to perpetrate additional malicious activity.

To determine if xp_cmdshell is enabled, execute the following command:

SELECT name, value, value_in_use
FROM sys.configurations
WHERE name = 'xp_cmdshell'

If "value_in_use" is a "1", review the system documentation to determine whether the use of xp_cmdshell is approved. If it is not approved, this is a finding.

Check Content Reference

M

Target Key

5711