TMAegis
More rules for mssql

TMA-MSSQL-2.8

Ensure 'Scan For Startup Procs' Server Configuration Option is set to '0'

MediumLevel 1Automatedmssql

Description

The scan for startup procs option, if enabled, causes SQL Server to scan for and automatically run all stored procedures that are set to execute upon service startup. Both value and value_in_use must equal 0. The change takes effect after the Database Engine is restarted. Default: By default, this option is disabled (0). Runs one sqlcmd query with its defaults (Windows authentication to the local default instance); set SQLCMDSERVER, SQLCMDUSER and SQLCMDPASSWORD for another instance or SQL authentication. Needs VIEW SERVER STATE / sysadmin-level read access.

How it is checked

Audit method: SQL query

sql_query
sqlcmd -b -h -1 -W -Q "SET NOCOUNT ON; SELECT CASE WHEN CAST(value AS int) = 0 AND CAST(value_in_use AS int) = 0 THEN 'compliant' ELSE 'noncompliant' END FROM sys.configurations WHERE name = 'scan for startup procs';"
Expected output
compliant

How it is fixed

Fix method: SQL statement

shell
sqlcmd -b -h -1 -W -Q "SET NOCOUNT ON; EXEC sp_configure 'show advanced options', 1; RECONFIGURE; EXEC sp_configure 'scan for startup procs', 0; RECONFIGURE; EXEC sp_configure 'show advanced options', 0; RECONFIGURE;"

Properties

Operating systems
Any
Tags
mssqldatabasesurface-area
Reference
CIS Microsoft SQL Server 2025 Benchmark v1.0.0 - 2.8 Ensure 'Scan For Startup Procs' Server Configuration Option is set to '0'

Check this host

Run this on a machine you are allowed to audit. The scan is read-only.

shell
tmaegis scan --target mssql